An idea to improve diplomacy.

[SRG]

Ok, I have written before that I like this new diplomacy... and that remains true.

I am not sure if this has been suggested yet. But, I think a way to make civilization diplomacy more important would be to introduce an element to the system that enables a possible outcome other than war between civilizations.

Please note that none of this discussion has anything to do with city-states... I am talking about civilization to civilization diplomacy only here.

I think a sort of "vassal" or "permanent alliance" system should be introduced. In this way, the AI would not have to give up on "winning the game", but it could enable a new direction for diplomacy - cooperation.

Currently cooperation and winning are mutually exclusive. This leaves only temporary diplomatic interactions as truly possible. If we could create the possibility of cooperative victory (even in the smallest of chances, requiring the greatest possible positive relations) then there would be a choice to be made.

Now, I can't presume to know how the details of such a system might be implemented.. but I would love to hear some ideas. I am simply proposing that adding an end game to positive relations could open up a whole new realm of purpose and choice for diplomacy.

Thoughts?

 

[kaltorak]

For me it would be enough competitive if it wanted itself and his friends to win, instead of just declaring on any friend or foe like it does.

I don't think they will reinstaurate vassals. They are kind of replaced by city states.

 

[dannythefool]

That they took A out and put in B doesn't mean they replaced A with B...

Taking out vassal states means we're back to no option of surrender, causing these ridiculous "I give you all my cities and my gold if you leave my capital alone" situations.

 

[kaltorak]

Don't get me wrong. I liked vassals in civ4. I usually took vassals even when it was better for me to just wipe them off just because I liked them.

But I don't think they plan on adding them

 

[SRG]

Well, what about permanent alliances? This way the AI could consider you part of his "team" when he is trying to win - thus giving you a reason to consider positive diplomacy?

Of course this should not be easy to achieve, and may have very special and intense requirements... but it would make the possibility of developing a partnership with a civ over thousands of years somewhat attractive. I imagine it would require some negative drawback.