"Pausing is a feature of the game, it is meant to temporarily hold the game while someone goes away from their computer or work in another window. However there are some people who use the Pause feature to look around the world, and to help them aim spells (especially Lightning). It might be okay in single-player, however in multi-player it is extremely frustrating to the other players who actually came to play the game. Not to look at a frozen screen while the offender gets a grasp on what is happening around the world.

This is called "Pause abuse". I've encountered it several times throughout my time here. One of the most famous instances of it occurred on Face Off, when one player had the hill (this was FFA), I side-doored the player and as my men and Shaman were crossing the bridge, the player Paused the game for about 10 seconds, and then immediately unpaused and cast Lightning on my Shaman. This exploit comes from the fact that while paused, you can still select spells and buildings from the Panel. Unpausing can be unpredictable and make unfair situations out of it.

As my attack continued, the player would pause continuously every time I would send my shaman or more men, and always followed up with a spell action. It was very obvious that this was a clear case of Pause abuse, and it is considered quite dishonest. Don't do it.

Other forms of pause abuse include continual pausing throughout a game and pausing for outrageously lengthy periods of time. A few minutes is understandable, and if you need to pause for an extended period of time, ask the players involved if it is ok. It is dishonorable to unpause someone, however if, for example, someone were to pause for 10 minutes without warning, it is understandable that the other players would become restless and continue without the player or leave. Remember to be courteous of other players as well."

 

Every player in game can pause or unpause a game anytime, so it's up to everyone to have good sportsmanship on this matter.

Make sure to avoid pauses - if you really need one, just say something right before pausing, and make sure you ask if everyone is ready before unpausing the game. Don't forget that pause abuse can be punished.