Sid Speaks -- PolyCast Episode 50: "That's What The Tank Said to the Spearman"

[Asmodean]

Great Polycast. My question didn't make it, but even then...good show.

My first Polycast ever, even

Asmodean

[vyeh]

Originally posted by DanQ
Did you enjoy it overall?

Yes, I did. Sid Meier has had a major effect on the gaming industry. His perspective was fascinating.

[DanQ]

Originally posted by Asmodean
Great Polycast. My question didn't make it, but even then...good show.

My first Polycast ever, even

Welcome, new listener. Hope this won't be your last episode either.

Originally posted by vyeh
Yes, I did. Sid Meier has had a major effect on the gaming industry. His perspective was fascinating.

Would you also say that we're on our way to doing to podcasts what Sid has done to the gaming industry then?

[Imran Siddiqui]

Originally posted by Quintillus
I found Sid's answer to the questions about complexity interesting. I'm quite a complexity fan when it comes to Civ - I complained quite a bit about ways I thought Civ4 was simpler (and thus less fun) than Civ3 - but Sid is right, a balance does need to be made. I'm fine with complexity with strategy now (having a whole week to read Civ3's manual before I got a computer that could play it helped), but does complexity keep me away from some other games? Definitely, role playing games being a prime example. And I've seen other people shy away from complex games, too. Just tonight my friends and I decided not to try a new board game because it was too complex. And sure enough, it had a hex grid!

But it seems Sid understands the need to have complex games along with simpler ones from time to time. Which allays fears that Civ might keep getting simpler and simpler.

I actually do find these type of questions (complexity vs. simplicity in game design, etc) more interesting that specifics about a particular game (you can tell from listening to Polycast ).

I think your examples there are straight on. For fans of the series for a long time, there is disappointment if things are decided to be changed for more accessibility or simplicity. Charges of it being "dumbed down" and whatnot happen. But for those who haven't gotten into Civ (or other games), the complexity can be a HUGE barrier. Some people love complex games, but if you want to reach a large audience, you can't go too far on that. That's why the best games are: easy to learn, difficult to master.

TBS suffer from this, in some respects, because it has become such a niche category that you don't have complexity tiers in the genre. What I mean by that is that you don't have some people making simple games of the genre and others making complex ones. In RPGs, you have people making "action RPGs" which are not too hard to understand: an action game with RPG elements (think Diablo). And there are companies which make more complex games (think Bioware and Bethesda). So you can enter the genre with a simple game to get into and then if you want can move up the complexity ladder. Or stay on the more simple games of the genre, which may be more fun.

One thing we in the Civ community have to learn is that simple is not always bad. It can, even, be more fun.

[vyeh]

Originally posted by DanQ
Would you also say that we're on our way to doing to podcasts what Sid has done to the gaming industry then?

"Girls Playing Civ," "Alpha Centauri," and the 50th Episode, IMO, demonstrate the necessary creativity.

I appreciate the fact that you solicited questions for Sid (and put the notice at the top of each page). It was a clever way to create synergy between the forums and the podcast.

I use to play Civ 2 a lot. A few years ago, I decided to start playing Alpha Centauri and discovered Apolyton (I prefer the AC section here to the one at Civ Fanatics).

Although I have Civ 4 installed, it hasn't grabbed me.

The fact that I have enjoyed three pod casts is a testimony to your potentially broader appeal.

[DanQ]

Originally posted by vyeh
"Girls Playing Civ," "Alpha Centauri," and the 50th Episode, IMO, demonstrate the necessary creativity.

I appreciate the fact that you solicited questions for Sid (and put the notice at the top of each page). It was a clever way to create synergy between the forums and the podcast.

We're always looking for meaningful ways to increase interaction between ourselves, the regular panelists, and the Civ community. We're pleased with the reception to this such effort and some others in the past. We certainly take suggestions!

I use to play Civ 2 a lot. A few years ago, I decided to start playing Alpha Centauri and discovered Apolyton (I prefer the AC section here to the one at Civ Fanatics).

Although I have Civ 4 installed, it hasn't grabbed me.

The fact that I have enjoyed three pod casts is a testimony to your potentially broader appeal.

[Krill]

One thing we in the Civ community have to learn is that simple is not always bad. It can, even, be more fun.

True, very true. But simplicity at times can also decrease playability; if the simplicity is gained by removing the more complex parts of the game, for example.

[Murg]

It was a great episode to listen to, and of course amazing to listen to Sid's ideas. How awesome is it that he would come on and support the show!?!

No real cristism to offer. A huge thanks to the team for everything they do and to Sid for participating.

(I can call him Sid right right? Should it be Mr Meier?)

[Imran Siddiqui]

Originally posted by Krill

One thing we in the Civ community have to learn is that simple is not always bad. It can, even, be more fun.

True, very true. But simplicity at times can also decrease playability; if the simplicity is gained by removing the more complex parts of the game, for example.

OTOH, the "more complex parts" can get in the way of fun . Sometimes complexity which the hardcore fan may love will get in the way of the casual fan having a good time.

[DanQ]

Originally posted by Murg
It was a great episode to listen to, and of course amazing to listen to Sid's ideas.

How awesome is it that he would come on and support the show!?!

Very.

No real cristism to offer. A huge thanks to the team for everything they do and to Sid for participating.

You're welcome. Thank you for your continued support.

(I can call him Sid right right?

I think so.

[Heraclitus]

This is the best polycast episode ever!

[Heraclitus]

I must however say that civ has with Civ4 become as much a great multilayer game as it is a single player game.


In several ways the diplo genre of play has already approached a MMO flavor.

For example in Beyond the Pit we have a group of 16 players who are committed to a persistent online world for the next two years. There was even talk of 32 players or marathon speed for a future pitboss diplo game.

[Solver]

Originally posted by Murg
(I can call him Sid right right? Should it be Mr Meier?)

Actually, his full title is The One And Only Prophet of Gamedesign, Supreme Ruler To Whom Cows Shall be Sacrificed, Mr. God Meier

[snoopy369]

[DanQ]

Originally posted by Heraclitus
This is the best polycast episode ever!

Originally posted by Solver
Actually, his full title is The One And Only Prophet of Gamedesign, Supreme Ruler To Whom Cows Shall be Sacrificed, Mr. God Meier

-- is that why dairy prices spike now and again?