The Social Economy of eRepbulik

Day 1,884, 13:52 Published in USA USA by Gnilraps


Amicabiliter Frugalitas
Day 1,884 of the New World
16 January, 2012
The question about the Economy of eRepublik recently came up in a thread in the eUS Forum.

(That thread is not specifically about the so-called economy of eRepublik. As you will see, however, it is about the social economy of this game.)

Specifically, the question focused on how frustrating it is to think about what value your Gold has when invested in the eRepublik economy (i.e. Raw Material or Factory buildings and storage). The current Return on Investment of a Q7 Tank factory is 13,800 or so days. This was recently pointed out expertly by Edelman in his fine article Finally, company upgrades!

Since I am asked on a weekly basis about how to make money in this game, I thought I’d publish here the thoughts I shared in that thread (because I know not all of you visit the forum.)

My answer is basically this: the only economy in this game that has a vast potential for return is the social economy.

The question (which was offered in the rhetorical form of a statement) was about how the eRep economy is not designed in any way offering “upward (financial) mobility”.

Here is what I wrote in response:

"Upward Mobility" ought not be seen (insofar as this game is concerned) from the perspective of economic prosperity. There is no economic prosperity, there are only opportunities for you to invest yourself economically for social reasons.

What I mean to say is that "upward mobility" is defined in social terms. By playing your character a certain way over time, you will gain upward social mobility. That is the game you play here. The option of "tycoon" is not available.

So abandon your economic structures. Liquidate them for gold and cash. Get involved in a social circle which will accommodate your economic needs with commune employment and tanks/food as a reward for activity (which is the actual currency in a "social economy").

Then build your reputation.

And if you buy Gold, spend it in ways which will increase your social reputation. Build a company and give away the production. Train your strength to the max and become a respected tank. Publish a newspaper and use your gold to buy votes and gain attention.

But don't spend money on a tank company hoping it will turn a profit. It's not supposed to. It's there as an option to help you get ahead socially.

fin


And so I publish this here to give eRepublikans a chance to comment below.

You may now return to your regularly scheduled clicking