Apologies for the longer-than-usual gap between updates, but I’ve been traversing the country for the last few days, hopping from machine to machine, and it hasn’t been conducive to contemplation.
Anyway, I promised to share some insights with you on where the game vision stands, so here’s a couple of points that Klaude and I agree on so far:
1. It will be Multi-Agent
What this means is that the game will have several players, any and all of whom can be AI bots or real-life people. This is in contrast to the original game, which was definitively single-player: there, you were a de facto global dictator, trying to lead the peoples of the world to a happier future. By contrast, in FOTWO you will play as one leader amongst many; primarily, you will be a national leader, though you may also end up leading organisations such as NATO, OPEC, or the EU.
The benefits of this are many: firstly, it’s a truer simulation of the actual situation, where action on global matters must arise from consensus rather than diktat, and where political realities can frustrate otherwise simple activities. This is in accordance with the guidance we’ve been given by the original game’s economic adviser Cameron Hepburn, who himself uses multi-agent systems to create complex models for real-life policy makers.
Secondly, it makes for a genuine game. Single-player games are fundamentally puzzles, even if you factor in random events. The only real tension that exists is that which artificially imposed by the designer, with the game’s difficulty determined by how many viable solutions exist for the player to discover.
Multi-player games, on the other hand, can be played again and again, with the outcome always uncertain. It’s the difference between playing poker, and playing solitaire. Even if someone only ever plays against AI bots as opponents, they will still experience a game that is more unpredictable, more engaging, and more replayable than the original.
2. It will be Online in every sense
We see three elements to the Online suffix we’ve added to the game’s title.
Firstly, it is a commitment to ongoing development, to a product we’re going to be constantly updating and improving. Our game casts its attention far and wide, attempting to simulate every aspect of life on Earth, and there will always be brushstrokes we’ve made too broad or in error. Thankfully, we have an alert and passionate fan base, and we’re determined to incorporate their corrections and improvements wherever possible.
Secondly, it is a commitment to online gameplay. Once the multi-agent game model has been created, it is just a matter of technical implementation to permit people around the world to play against each other online. Yes, it will probably be our most expensive game feature, but it is one we feel is definitely worth it. It is likely only a few players will have the dedication to see through a full 200-year game, which could take upwards of 20 hours to complete, but there will be plenty of shorter-term scenarios which will be highly enjoyable for all.
Finally, it is a commitment to community. We’ve had an amazing response to the sequel announcement, with huge amounts of positive, insightful feedback coming our way. It’s clear that a great many of you share our belief in this game, and the lessons it can teach. We want to work with you to make sure it’s the very best game it can be.
Well, best leave it there for now. Time ticks on, and Monday morning looms. Thanks for reading, and watch out for more updates this week, as things start to swing into gear.