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`Diplomacy on crack' is one way to describe the ISDG, but otherwise the game is opaque to outsiders who aren't familiar with Civilization or democracy games - in other words, pretty much everyone. [..] Even experienced [Civ] players find the concept of the ISDG alien, since the delay between turns adds such a bewildering array of negotiation, debate and power politics that aren't seen in normal games.

From a social standpoint, the ISDG is a fascinating microcosm of the real world, owing to the freedom the game provides for different strategies. [..] To win the ISDG, a team will have to perfectly balance conflict and co-operation, not only with other teams but between its own members. [..] It's interesting to step back from the details of the ISDG and observe just how different it is from other online games. There is no narrative in the ISDG other than what the players create themselves, from their own experiences and interactions. The skills players must have aren't a quick trigger finger or good eyesight; they're an aptitude for quick and incisive analysis, a shrewd mind and an ability for communication. [..]

The game began in February 2003, and after six months about one hundred turns have been played; it's likely the game could take an entire year from start to finish. Participants in the ISDG aren't looking for quick thrills - they're in it for the long haul. Perhaps this is why the ISDG has only attracted three hundred players... Yet the Civilization Intersite Democracy Game is unlikely to be the last of its kind, and the idea will surely be reproduced for similar strategy games. At least part of the reason for the ISDG's small player base is that games companies simply haven't thought of the idea yet, or alternatively haven't figured out how to make money out of it. [..]

Democracy games have evolved an assortment of rules, traditions and accepted practices that won't easily be transplanted to a group of novice players; many fans still disagree about the rules that surround democracy games. [..] But as more games are played and more people are introduced to the concept, it's becoming easier to arrive at solutions that satisfy all the players and teams.

The article is written by AdrianHon, a member of the Apolyton team and has resolutely refused to take an official post in the government in fear that it could consume his life. Thanks to Apolyton forum user 'MattH' for bringing this to the community's attention. For ongoing discussion of this mention, click here.     [ NEXT ... ]

Hon, Adrian. "The Clash of Civilization". Kuro5hin.org (June 14, 2004). 14 June 2004: http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2004/6/18/81827/3874.