The Unified Economic Theory

[Colonel Kraken]

I'm not sure I like the idea in its entirety. Consider that the ability to produce swords probably already exists (iron smiths, etc.). I'm not sure I like the idea of having to build a forge to begin creating your units. I think better would be the private creation of smith-shops and forges in direct response to the demand by the government for such commodities. Certainly, in particular types of governments, these commodities could be demanded! In other types of socio-economic systems, it is more of a supply and demand response. Even so, I don't like your total direct input method (must build forge in once city with the call to arms in another city). I think better would be a call to arms to the city govenors/mayors to supply the manpower and a demand for weapons production (or response in supply of arms by the private sector for the demand of the arms).

Perhaps the government has set up training facilities/barracks in certain cities where this manpower would naturally flow to. After a certain amount of time/training the units are available.

Barracks and academies are one of the few examples of the type of structures the government (YOU!) would be responsible for funding/creating as this is a direct government responsibility. Certainly, then the advantage of some types of governments (Feudalism!), this would not be true. The local "Lords" would be responsible for training and military upkeep. The call to arms is instantaneous!

Wow, I'm really liking this flow of ideas!

 

[Trade-peror]

Those are good points, Colonel Kraken. However, a minor issue is revived--what exactly is (or should be) the role of the player in the game? Are they the government, the "collective civilization," or some other entity?

The way Civ has long been set up, it would have to be the "collective civilization"--that is, both the government and the people. This means the line between public and private sectors is blurred, and the player controls both. In Civ, for example, how is one able to so precisely order citizens what terrain to work? Also, the production of "settler" units is presumably the natural movement of people to new places, not the forced uprooting of people by the government every few turns. As strange as this role may seem to be once examined, it serves the purpose of maintaining the player's control over his civilization.

As the UET already considers replacing a number of fundamental civ concepts, there would be little surprise if I abandoned this "collective civilization" precept as well, and truly differentiate between private and public sectors. I am not sure whether that would be wise, however, for players may not like to play games where they have too little control over their civs as only the government.

Anyway, back to the latest potential piece of the UET. Unfortunately I am not completely sure of what you mean by the use of a "total direct input method.” In parentheses, you mention how in my example the call to arms is in one city and the forge (and actual arms) is in another city. Just for clarification, I will say that the purpose of the “call to arms” of City A is to specify that one unit of population in City A should be used to create a Swordsmen unit. In addition, the Forge could actually be located in City A itself as well as any other city that City A has access to.

Also, while it can certainly be considered that private ironsmiths already exist to preclude the need for specific orders to build a Forge, I was thinking of a more general system that would include modern weapons as well. For example, I do not think it would be reasonable to assume that any city would have a tank factory or a military-grade shipyard (even if the cities are near the coast). That small detail pointed out in another thread is what started this entire idea in my mind.

While it would also be possible to have that the private sector responds to demands for such weapons by building such structures itself, that would require a separate and distinct private sector altogether. As I have mentioned above, I am unsure as to whether that is a good idea.

Anyway, those ideas concerning Barracks/Academies and throwing different government types into the equation have much potential and are worthy of more discussion! I hope to hear some more comments soon!

 

[rcoutme]

Really good stuff, Trade-peror. Now when do I get my consolidation piece?