Also, I'm serious.
Make the map display show only two rows of maps. Most computers don't have a big enough monitor to show the entire screen (my computer is HUGE, so this must be a problem for many people). Usually when noobs login they don't know how to scroll down and click on "start game".
I know that sounds trivial, but the interface should just be one screen that doesn't require someone to scroll down. Otherwise, new players might not even know to scroll down.
The start button should be big and green so that they know what the hell they're doing. It needs to all be on one screen without a scroll.
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Happiness = reality - expectations