I propose a hybrid game type which begins like a standard flat-rate game. After a set amount of turns, the set values change from flat-rate values to escalating values to discourage defensive standoffs.
Specifics:
- Proposed game type name: Looking for suggestions. Hybrid? Arms Race?
- Set amount of turns could be fixed (not sure what the optimal turn value is, maybe 50?), or configurable at game setup
- Before the magic turn is reached: set values are flat-rate
- After the magic turn is reached: set values are escalating starting with value 10 and increasing by 5 (or a configurable value) for every set
This will improve the following aspects of the site:
I prefer to play flat rate games because they allow for longer-term strategic decisions and more balanced gameplay. However, about one out of every 10-20 games I play ends up with 3 or 4 players massing troops and not attacking because the defensive positions are too balanced and any aggressor is at a strategic disadvantage. These games usually last weeks or months until either:
- A player goes on vacation and misses 3 turns
- A player gets bored and suicides
- A player suicides for some other reason, like non-premium game limit, etc.
With this new option, you could create games that play like flat-rate while deterring defensive standoffs with the knowledge that escalating is coming in the future. And if a standoff occurs, the arrival of escalating sets will force an attempted elimination at some point.
