Join the new world

Snow has become but a distant memory for many, as trees begin to sport leaves - and some even flowers. After laying dormant for months, life has a way of returning; whether in the form of newborn animals, or even the simple smell of a rain shower on a sunny day. These changes happen around us, and can be observed if we take time to notice.

Working as a software developer, Gazonkfoo admits he is often kept indoors for projects. “I do some network and Linux server administration,” he said, “and participate in open source projects.” By utilizing often large, open ended groups of developers, “open source” projects come together differently from those made by typical software firms - who have a closed process, and top down direction. While eRepublik itself is not “open source,” perhaps a nation within the game could be considered to be, as they come together over time due to the contributions of many individuals.

And Gazonkfoo is uniquely positioned to see these changes, as he began his time in Austria in the summer of 2008. “Back then I used to be Mayor of Carinthia, Congressman, and commander of a regiment,” he said, before jokingly adding “there weren't many people around so this isn't really an achievement.” Outside of Gazonkfoo, there were very few real life Austrians - instead the nation was mostly filled with Italians and Slovenians, and “guys who quit the game within a month.”

This made it difficult for much of a “national identity” to form, especially after a string of presidential thefts in the spring of that year. Nonetheless, the summer turned into a period of relative stability, under the leadership of President mappina, one of the players he remembers from the time. He met others, such as Metallon, who would go on to play key roles later on. However, after serving 3 terms, mappina and many of her supporters would leave Austria in the fall.

With an already depleted population, the implementation of V1 during late 2008 came at a particularly hard time for Austria. “I quit when V1 came out because I felt de-motivated,” he said. “[The] admins erased all my progress, and everything was totally different from one day to the other.” Many would lose interest, and Austria plunged again into a revolving door of theft and political takeover.

However, a core group of players - such as Metallon - persisted, and managed to stabilize the nation by April. Joined by many others throughout the months who impacted Austria, much changed between then and mid 2011 when Gazonkfoo returned. “There are much more real life Austrians around now,” he said. This number has significantly changed to where they now form a clear majority of players. “[There are also more] long term in-game Austrian [players] who take this game serious.”

This has contributed greatly to the growth of an “eAustrian identity” - where shared experiences in game have brought together very diverse groups of people. Certainly, struggles have not disappeared. “eAustria is still a very small country, so there's always a threat of PTO's,” and other challenges such as wars, he said. But perhaps these challenges are the fire from which national identities - and strength - are formed. More than larger nations in this game, Austrians frequently find themselves fighting for the very essence of their nation against those who want to use it as their personal (or group) play-toy, and the community has come to expect these battles.

And time and again, different people have stepped in and played their part in the story of Austria. Due to this, even with these ever-present challenges, Gazonkfoo is forward looking. “We have some real clever guys in cabinet, and some good allies,” he said. Where there are challenges, there are also those who desire to meet them - to make their mark on this continuing, and open, project. “I'm hopeful eAustria will have a bright future.”