Any ideas on what 'Civics' might refer to?

[Aussie_Lurker]

Hi Guys,

When Soren was discussing a few of the elements that would be included in civ4, he mentioned two points which were of GREAT interest to me.
The first was the incorportation of Religion and Religious concepts into the game. This seems fairly self-explantory to me, though it would be cool to see some of the details of HOW these concepts will be incorportated, though!
The other, even MORE intriguing point was his mention of incorporating 'Civics' into the game. This made me wonder: 'What does civics mean, in a Civ context, and what concepts would be incorporated in order to bring civics into the game'.
So, I'm putting the question out to the forum-in 3 parts:

1) What do you think civics is referring to, in a civ context?

2) What will be the new civ concepts introduced in order to reflect 'civics'? and

3) What effects do you envisage the concepts having on gameplay?

Now, I don't expect that anyone viewing this thread will have 'insider knowledge', though it would be great if Soren himself could answer this question-to the best of his ability ! All I'm really looking for, really, are peoples thoughts and hypothetical answers!

Yours,
Aussie_Lurker.

 

[judgement]

Well, m-w.com (Merriam-Webster online) defines civics as "a social science dealing with the rights and duties of citizens."

That doesn't really give me any ideas about what it might mean in the game, though.

Noting that it was mentioned right alongside religion, perhaps we might suspect that the two concepts might be somehow related. In other words, they both might be related to some mechanism for the population to play more of a role in the game beyond just being happy, content, or unhappy (as in Civ 1,2,3) and having a nationality (which was new in Civ 3). What that extended role might be, I have no idea.

 

[Philips beard]

More like Colonization in a way?

 

[judgement]

More like Colonization in a way?

Hmmm, I only played Colonization once (while visiting someone) and it was a long time ago. Can you refresh my memory?

 

[Philips beard]

Hmmm, I only played Colonization once (while visiting someone) and it was a long time ago. Can you refresh my memory?

You had more specialists, as peasants, fishermen, lumberjacks, teachers, priests and lawyers... These had to be educated, or re-educated. A specialist fisherman for instance had bonuses when working a sea tile, compared to a non specialist, or a lumberjack!

The citizens could work the surrounding fields, or inside the city in different factories, schools, courthouses, churches etc, or they could be drafted as soldiers!

Perhaps some of these principles will be added to the game in some way? You will not only have to build out communications, mines, and irrigation, but the quality of the workers working there is also important! Or perhaps they will give workers jobs in the city improvments as well, as priests and lawyers?

 

[Philips beard]

NB! By the way Judgement and Aussie! I would really like to play a multiplayer game vs the two of you!

 

[rcoutme]

If you guys ever set it up, I would also like to try a MP with you. A pbem where you take your turn within 24 hrs would be really cool!

 

[Aussie_Lurker]

I'm afraid you guys will have to start without me-my home computer busted around the end of last year, and I haven't been able to afford repairs yet !! Hope to be up and running again by mid-year, though-fingers crossed!

Yours,
Aussie_Lurker.

 

[Philips beard]

Refering to Colonization:You had more specialists, as peasants, fishermen, lumberjacks, teachers, priests and lawyers... These had to be educated, or re-educated. A specialist fisherman for instance had bonuses when working a sea tile, compared to a non specialist, or a lumberjack!

The citizens could work the surrounding fields, or inside the city in different factories, schools, courthouses, churches etc, or they could be drafted as soldiers!

Perhaps some of these principles will be added to the game in some way? You will not only have to build out communications, mines, and irrigation, but the quality of the workers working there is also important! Or perhaps they will give workers jobs in the city improvments as well, as priests and lawyers?

No comments on this one???!!!!!!

 

[Hakkan]

More like Victoria and Europa Universalis.

 

[Philips beard]

Hmm, yep, perhaps your right! A combination of the two, with a few new elements, perfectly incorporated in the Civ system!

 

[snipelfritz]

I think it may refer more towards an advanced system of the entertainment option. As in, if you treat your people better, then they will be more productive. But thats just a guess.