We already mentioned that Carcassonne will have three sorts of multiplayer: pass-around, local network and Internet.

The most challenging of those, of course, is the Internet mode. On the iPhone, and even on the iPod Touch, networked games have to work seamlessly and must be very interrupt-friendly. At least that’s what we’re thinking.

With that in mind we designed the Internet mode to support push notifications to alert players when it’s their turn. That means you can make your move, quit the game, browse the web, read your mail and will get an alert when you’re next. Of course you will see the other player’s moves upon re-joining the game.

We support a “quick matchmaking” variant against equally skilled strangers and - of course - games between friends. Initially you invite (and “friend”) them via email, after that you can add them to games within the game. 

Last but not least Carcassonne has text-based chat for networked games so it’s easy to talk to your friends (or taunt them).

PS: The main problem in terms of the Internet gameplay currently is that it works far too well and distracts us from developing, because we play the game too much. :)