This draws some interesting lessons based on and stimulated by the Civilization series of computer strategy games, now in it’s freshly released 4th iteration.
The Chief started years ago on Civ I, then Civ. II, and Civ. III. To date, Civ. II seemed to play better, although III had nicer graphics. In an e-mail earlier this evening, the Chief’s son (who is more seriously into computer gaming much to Mrs. Chief’s continuing concern!) passed along a heads up on the release of Civ IV, which I am now eagerly wanting to get my hands on!
The column here from Tech Central Station makes some interesting points about the games, and their applicability, or not to the real world. He goes on to make some recommendations for an improved and somewhat reoriented version of Civ. If someone were to to THAT, it would be really great, and could teach some valuable lessons to anyone who played.
Something to think about: if the British Empire was won on the playing fields of Eton, a new American hegemony could be won on the computer gamer’s screen.
For another very interesting treatment of the possible impact of well-executed computer games in a realpolitik world, see a sci-fi book – The Moon Goddess and the Son, (1986), by Donald Kingsbury. In spite of a projection of a continuing Soviet threat from the 80’s. it still has some very interesting and potentially valuable insight. The Chief recommends it – you can find it online, form used booksellers since it’s long out of print.
IN LUDI VERITAS!