I think it might be useful for me to record my thoughts about the design of SkyLords, to reference later (easier to find as a separate topic).

Since its inception, SkyLords has been promoted as a strategic game - specifically, a "persistent browser based massively multiplayer online real time strategy game". There are also significant 4x influences (eXpand, eXplore, eXploit, eXterminate) - which is the core foundation of many other online games: SkyLords, Merchant Empires, Ogame, EVE Online, and many others owe inspiration to Elite.

A major aspect of "real time strategy" (tactical) gameplay is the opportunity to react to and interact with other players, while they take their actions. Because of this, I feel it important that players have the opportunity to interact - in real time, in space. At the same time, as a persistent browser based game, asynchronous actions are the norm.

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SkyLords Head Programmer

Spelled: I I R I (not irii, irri, or iri).

Force of nature.

From my point of view- the trading aspect of the game might be a weak spot! The ability to sell to only allies and/or clan members would be nice. Another game I played had the option of selling to ships on a local market and the trade could be pass worded. There was an option for a reduced price for those with the pass word.

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"Is not easily provoked"
Translated:
It is not good to wake a sleeping bear

Yeah, looking at SkyLords as a 4x game, the trading aspect could certainly stand to be expanded. Its not currently core gameplay though, so I'm hesitant to change core game mechanics to bring it into greater focus. I've considered implementing planet "types", where planets can't be used to gather every kind of resource. It would add diversity and might provide some incentive to hold specific planets, potentially increasing interactivity.

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SkyLords Head Programmer

Spelled: I I R I (not irii, irri, or iri).

Force of nature.

I'd like to see that trialled actually - it's not a bad idea at all. Personally I'd keep some things permanent (probably troops and/or energy) but have specific resource planets. If you're mid planning an attack and suddenly you can't produce any more iron it forces interaction. Might not have immediate impact given the number of players. But on the assumption that a vision includes expanding the player base I think it would have a good long term impact.

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Make your move, reindeer games.