This thread is about a topic that is not often taken up by 4x space strategy games, perhaps because it runs against the pulp sci-fi theme of the "age of exploration" transplanted into space. Nevertheless, I get the feeling that we are underestimating, today, the long-term consequences of the development of artificial intelligence. In MoO2, all we got was "androids", a similar concept can be found in both Star Wars and Star Trek (and many other fictional universes), where humanoid or even human-like artificial intelligences exist, but play no big role in things overall. While I think it is possible that things might turn out this way (because we will never find a way, for some reason, to make AI more intelligent than humans, or because there is no way, for some fundamental reason), there is a multitude of alternative scenarios. One obvious scenario is an AI which continually improves itself, to the point where it becomes super-human. And then, what? Such super-human AIs might be benign, or hostile. A benign AI might be extremely beneficial to human society, perhaps helping us and guiding us towards a better future which we could not have reached by ourselves. On the other hand, a hostile AI (think Skynet) might well try to bring about the end of humanity. Or a super-human AI might be indifferent to humans, pack its things and look after its own pursuits among the stars. So I was wondering whether any of you would be interested to see these four possible scenarios (benign super-human AI, hostile super-human AI, indifferent super-human AI, and inconsequential human-like AI) reflected somehow in the game. AI research by the player (or, more general, the use of AI technology, e.g., building androids) could lead not only to "androids" (similar as used in MoO2), but also potentially trigger the development of a super-human AI, which might then turn out to be benign, indifferent or hostile (by chance, or perhaps depending on some other factors, e.g., whether it was created during peace- or war time): - Benign AI could e.g. act like a "super leader", make the citizens of the player empire more happy, society more stable, enhance research, combat capabilities (or reduce them when used offensively) etc. - Indifferent AI could take the way of a peaceful "space monster", e.g. a ship travelling the galaxy, or perhaps even founding a colony on a world which is, from then on, off-limits to any other species (i.e., would just defend itself when attacked). - Hostile AI could devastate a planet, perhaps to the point where it has to be bombed into oblivion by the imperial space navy to keep the AI from spreading. Or it could go "rogue" in the sense of an agressive "space monster" (similar to the Dragon or Eel in MoO2) or even an independent new player. It should be a threat that, when not dealt with by the player (or the other players), could lead to the eventual doom of all civilizations. Ideas, comments, opinions?
A very sensible and logical progression. Once again, you expand an existing mechanic and add variety to the game which is based on real possibilities. If the Devs were to integrate this correctly it would enhance the game and replay value, I am for this and would like to hear more. Particularly, I am interested more in the parameters you have in mind and how this would progress/ fire and more about the circumstances prior to and after.
