Expanding our Horizons, Growing our eWorld

Day 1,075, 07:18 • Published in USA USA • by Joe DaSmoe


This game we all play is a unique experience. eRepublik is billed as a chance to live in a parallel society, a place where citizens can play out any path they so chose. The game revolves around global conflict, diplomacy, politics, economics, social networking, team aspects, journalism, and whatever other aspects we as the citizens of this new world chose to bring to the game.

That fact is what makes eRepublik so different from other online games so many of us spend countless hours playing. The core of eRepublik is left simple so we can layer on other aspects of the game as we so chose. No where in the game mechanics of eRep does it account for a structured Military, Presidential cabinets, stock markets, congressional debates, nation to nation diplomacy, or in depth investigative or editorial journalism. All of this comes from us, the citizens.

There have been countless arguments over the "correct" way for us to play the game. Many see eRepublik as a crudely simple game that requires only a strict adherence to the knowledge and manipulation of game mechanics. Others view the game as a role playing simulator. I feel its a mixture of both. Without our desire to make the game what we want it be, eRep is boringly simple. The layers of complexity we add with our off site groups and organizations is what drives the interest level up for most of us.

What the nations of eRepublik need is to learn to embrace all type of player. Whether it be a newbie congressman who seeks to "fight the man", an older player who happens to enjoy the strict mechanics, or those who create religions to expand the philosophical side of our online world. Incorporating all types of players into our society is key. The diversity that brings is key.

To an extent even those who play strictly to the mechanics of the game are themselves, role players. The military is role playing, as is congress, cabinets, and even some journalists.

The overall point is this. We have steered the game to a point which is no longer interesting to a diverse kind of player. I have been a military type player myself for most of my time here in eRepublik. However, I feel that we have made the game almost completely one sided, revolving almost solely around the military aspect.

Many of us (myself included) enjoy this path, but it is not for all. We have turned our Congressional body into a force that does little expect enact policies that are beneficial to the militaristic aspects of eRep. I'm not necessarily saying this is a bad thing, because it isn't. A strong organized and funded military is important for any country's survival in an eWorld where war is a daily thing. However, the problem lies when we do nothing via Congress to support our businesses, over tax our citizens, and ridicule those who wish to find a more even ground right out of the game, or even worse to another country. We have also gotten away from an active pursuit of citizen retention programs, such as the Welcoming Committee, Arm America and other such programs, aimed at maintaining our player base. Operation Monkey Business, was a recent step in the right direction, I will add.

And player base is key. Population is the number one factor in developing a strong society for any country. America has gotten away from this. While it is true that worldwide populations have fallen from previous levels, we are off pace. In a country that houses millions of millions of people with internet access, we are failing to spread the word. We are failing to spark interest in eRepublik and failing to maintain what players that do find our New World.

It starts with us. Whether its old players who still enjoy eRepublik and wish to see it prosper, or the new guys who come and bring fresh perspectives and ideals as to what this world should be or become. Lets get the ball rolling, open our eyes to fresh starts and embrace every type of player.

If we do not, we will shrink into oblivion. This eWorld is truly in the palms of our hands.

Thanks for reading,
Joe DaSmoe