Polynomics


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Factsheet

Developer:

Andrew McGregor

Based in Brooklyn, NY

Release Date:

Early 2016 (early access)

Platforms:

Linux, Mac, PC

Website:

polynomicsgame.com

Price:

TBD

Description

Polynomics is a low poly styled economics simulation game currently in early development. An early access version will be released early 2016 on Linux, PC and Mac.

In the game you play the role of a federal government. While drawing inspiration from traditional city building games, Polynomics is more about macroeconomic management: controlling the issuance of currency, implementing revenue policies through a mix of taxation and state owned entities, and managing government departments.

Agent-based Simulation

Each entity in the game acts out of self interest. When placed in an undeveloped game world, that involves simply trying to survive- seeking shelter and gathering resources necessary for survival. As the economy becomes more complex each agent will seek to own their own house and specialize in a profession, but is essentially doing the same thing: looking at their needs and desires and attempting to fulfill them.

Freedom from Micromanagement

While you do have the ability to micromanage things at a smaller scale, such as planning the layout and intricate details of a city, there is also a certain element of automation that will allow you to focus on the bigger picture. You can zone large areas of land and allow roads and structures to procedurally expand within based on player-imposed conditions.

International Sector

A number of other AI players are present within a given game world and can be interacted with, both at a trade and diplomatic level. As a player you can decide how much to embrace free trade with the implementation of tariffs and other regulations, and what resources and products to specialize in producing through the implementation of subsidies and other instruments.

Chunk Loading System

Map sizes in Polynomics are much larger than other games in the city building genre- they can get away with that as you are playing from the perspective of a local government. Since the processing requirements for off-screen entities is much lower this also allows for much larger populations.

Inequality

The goal of Polynomics is to resemble more of a realistic economic simulation rather than a first world simulation, and that makes for more interesting gameplay anyway. As a player you will face the real world challenges that developing countries face: building infrastructure, improving productivity, investing in health and education, improving the overall standard of living etc.

Economic Crises

In addition to dealing with fires, earthquakes and other natural disasters (which have interesting economic implications in themselves), you will also need to contend with economic disasters such as fluctuations in the business cycle, hyperinflation, market shortages and the consequences of having limited environmental regulations just to name a few.

Videos

Pre-Alpha Trailer Youtube mp4

Selected Articles

  • "[non-player characters] seek to maximize their utility through each of their actions. The intersection of all these wants and needs with (your) government objectives can be a messy one, and Polynomics is interested in exploring the sorts of societies that can grow out of this messy confluence."
    - David Rudin, Kill Screen