Previously: Dev Corner 2601006 – TaoG
Greetings, Generals!
It is time for another installment of the Developer Corner.
Before we dive into today’s specifics, we want to establish some clarity regarding our communication. We currently utilize two distinct formats for our developer updates:
Developer Diaries
- Provide comprehensive technical deep-dives into features that are nearing completion.
- Are typically published in the weeks leading up to a major release.
- Offer a platform for community Q&A and the identification of overt oversights.
- Allow us to integrate feedback into Day-1 patches or upcoming “War Effort” updates.
Developer Corners
- Focus on gathering targeted feedback on specific, early-stage concepts.
- Are designed to be concise and focused on a single topic.
- May be presented with or without supporting visual assets.
- Offer a glimpse into potential future content without a guarantee of final implementation.
- Follow a flexible schedule; these are released whenever a developer seeks community input on a work-in-progress.
Indonesia presents a unique design challenge: as an archipelagic colony with no domestic navy, a traditional civil war would be cumbersome, grueling, and potentially tedious. To address this, we are experimenting with alternative mechanics to simulate the struggle for independence. Please note that these concepts are in early development and remain subject to significant change.
In our current model, an Indonesian declaration of independence does not trigger an immediate, conventional war. Instead, the conflict begins as a “de-facto” occupation by revolutionary militias that the Netherlands does not “de-jure” recognize. This tension is managed through a dynamic system of escalating events, localized land raids, and a unique Joint Focus Tree. This shared tree allows both Indonesia and the Netherlands to engage in mutual subversion or attempt to negotiate a diplomatic resolution.
By executing land raids, Indonesian players can apply modifiers to specific states to represent growing influence. Sufficient control eventually allows for the full annexation of a region. However, aggressive expansion increases the “Escalation” meter. If tensions peak before a diplomatic accord is reached, the situation will spiral into a total war, requiring the complete expulsion of Dutch forces from the archipelago to secure victory.
We are currently fine-tuning the variables—balancing the frequency of raids, the speed of territorial acquisition, and the volatility of the escalation mechanic. This iterative process relies heavily on playtesting, and your initial impressions are invaluable to us.
We also noted concerns regarding the timeline of the revolution. While we are keeping some secrets for now, we can confirm that there will be multiple pathways to conflict, including the historical post-occupation uprising and various “Alt-History” scenarios for an earlier revolution.
Regarding the lack of a navy: to prevent the frustration of navigating island-hopping warfare without a fleet, we are testing a specialized feature: Marine Commando Raids. This mechanic is intended to streamline territorial expansion across the archipelago.
We are eager to hear your thoughts, suggestions, and concerns regarding these new systems. Let us know what you think!