How do RGR and the AFA view game mechanics?

Day 1,812, 08:03 • Published in USA USA • by AndraX2000

I've found that most interviews in the media focus on political agendas and rhetoric. I wanted to see how Ronald Gipper Reagan, as a representative of the AFA, felt about some more basic game mechanics. I'd like to thank him for his time.

I am not known for punditry, so I will just show the complete interview without commentary. Minor edits were performed due to my own grammatical errors. Feel free to discuss it and voice your opinions in the comment section.



GENERAL MECHANICS


What do you believe the main goal of eRepublik is for an individual player?
It really varies from person to person. Some just want to two click and observe as events happen, while others want to be major players in the economy, military, politics, media, or a combination of the above.
How about for a party?
To control the fate of a nation and dominate the political scene.
For a country?
To have a Polish-sized empire and command long term, and lasting influence on the world stage.

What strategies do you think are best for reaching those goals?
You need to be aggressive and persistent. If you keep pushing and keep perfecting your methods of reaching your goals, then eventually you will be successful.

Are some strategies better for individuals than for the country?
Certainly. A country is on a much larger scale so some strategies are different, but others may be the same. It really depends because there are so many different variables to consider.

If a new citizen can only afford to buy a weapons factory or upgrade her training center, which would you recommend she do first? Why?
I would recommend they go for the factory. You are so far behind in strength that it is better to work on that rather than training.

Should bazookas be used to get Battle Hero awards, or should they be spent in important battles? Which do you do?
It is a matter of choice, but I try to combine both. I wait for when I can help my medal count out, and help my country out, and I strike at the opportune moment where the stars align.

Should citizens fight using all of their food fights, or should they stop when they reach their Daily Order goal? Which do you do?
I almost always do the latter. It is pointless to do more than 25 kills unless you are trying to mass level or you are going for a BH/CH.


ECONOMY

What tax policies would and AFA congress and CP try to implement?
We certainly would lower the outrageous 25% rate that it just got bumped up to. This is by far the highest in the Top 20 largest nations in eRepublik, and it is totally unnecessary if we have responsible fiscal policies. We would bring that rate back down, and actually be cautious about how and where we send taxpayer dollars.

It’s well know that eRep has a bot that purchases goods. This creates a lot of excess currency. What strategy would you implement to deal with this?
I never knew about this to be honest. I would hope the Admins would deal with it, otherwise people need to find a legal means to counter it, or just be on a lot.

Sometime the bot gets turned off. Would your strategy change during these periods?
Yes, I would just watch it live to see when the times were and check for patterns.


POLITICS

Much of the campaigning and politicking in eRepublik goes on outside of the game. Do you recognize the eUS forums as a place to conduct official business? Why or why not?
I do not. It is privately owned by PigInZen and administered by a group of glorified trolls who belittle people with different viewpoints. Our party is not accepted there, and neither are its members. We operate our own forums which are similar in quality to those, and safe from this nonsense.

Do you feel that eRepublik offers sufficient in-game technology to officiate country business?
It could use improvements, but it is enough to get by, but certainly more would be welcome.

There are many “cabinet” positions that are used for organize the government out-of-game. Do you think these are necessary? Why or why not? Which ones would you keep and which would you do away with?
I think the bureaucracy is a bit excessive. I would need to look at the specifics, but having three VP’s like one President did, or a bunch of Deputies who do nothing seems silly.

If the majority of congressmen decide in an out-of-game channel to uphold a policy, should other congressmen be expected to uphold that policy as well?
Not if those Congressmen are not treated equally and with respect.

Do you think the the eUS currently has a fair immigration policy? Why or why not?
No. If it were up to the powers that be, only those that agreed with their agenda would get in, and very few would. Our country is made stronger by immigrants from all over the world, and they are too closed minded to realize this unfortunately.


WAR

If there are two policies, one that will benefit individuals at the cost of national strength, or one that will increase national strength but hurt individuals, which policy would you prefer?
I don’t see why we can’t have both. You supply loyal soldiers and you have them defend the interests of the US and its allies. It doesn't seem to be mutually exclusive from my perspective.

How should the eUS military be organized?
eUS MU’s that discriminate need to have their CO’s replaced, or their soldiers loyal to the country moved to units that can be supplied and can be trusted to cooperate and serve the Commander-in-Chief. I think a few branches and more structure would really help us a lot organizationally.

Should MUs get their orders from the President, or make their own orders?
The former if they are supplied by the government, otherwise it is a free country.

Are there situations where citizens should fight for allies, even if the US is under direct attack?
If it is a dire situation and the US can afford a loss, then perhaps so.

Should the eUS attempt to control additional territory for the economic bonuses?
Yes. In fact, Canada would volunteer to swap regions with us, but the powers-that-be do not want more bonuses.

Should the eUS conduct war at all times in order to accommodate the use of goods?
Yes, it is fun and we can afford to do it.


MEDIA

How do you feel about vote and subscription buying?
I am not comfortable with it, but it is the way the eWorld works now, so I will do it on a rare occasion, but not excessively like some people use it to boost up any random crappy article.

Do you believe the in-game media is adequate to keep players interested in the game?
No. They need to bring Ads back and vamp up this module substantially.

Do you believe the in-game media is adequate to educate new players in game mechanics?
No. There should be a permanent tutorial of some sort.