Trade routes and economics continue to dominate design considerations as we move forward with game development. We are taking what works in the original game and adding the ability to create vast networks of trade routes by linking one empire’s routes to a friendly empire’s network of trade routes.
RU (resource units, effectively currency) production will be localized in the new game so that RUs produced at one world cannot be used at another world unless the RUs are transported by cargo vessel.
Trade routes and the transport of RUs via trade routes will create opportunities for pirate raids and smuggled goods. Trade routes will need to be protected by building escort vessels and perhaps larger warships. Blockading warships may take up positions in systems at the end of a trade route to intercept cargo and transport vessels.
This system of trade will create areas of physical wealth and regions where resources will need to be transported.
A key commodity moving along those trade routes is SERJAUM (pronounced SIR-jay-um). This is the main element needed for the construction of hyperspace jump cores for starships. Serjaum is mined as a gas, refined and pressurized to liquid form, then transported to manufacturing sites aboard specialized Serjaum Tanker star ships. Every starship in existence uses Serjaum jump cores (if they want to go anywhere in a hurry). Serjaum Tankers will be tasty targets for enemies and raiders (a little pirate diplomacy anyone?) plying the trade routes of the galaxy.
So what does that mean for players?
Large empires will need to balance military needs with the need for civilian traders to move wealth and resources from one part of the empire to another. Smaller empires may be able to concentrate RUs more quickly, thereby projecting greater strength in a region than a larger empire and thus defeat a stronger foe in a regional conflict.
“Surrender humans. We are the Cyber. We are bigger, better OH MY GOSH THEY ARE KILLING US!! AAAHH!!”