Post by 11226p on Sept 2, 2023 12:10:09 GMT -6
I think it would be a good idea to give the player and the AI the option to take out a loan during a war.
First, this would be more historical and more immersive. During major wars, nations often took on debt to fund their war expenses.
Second, this would prevent a number of gameplay issues. When you enter a war, spending goes up a lot. Sometimes you are already prepared for it and have enough money to take the hit. Sometimes, however, you are caught off guard and have to stop construction programs, espionage, etc., so the game involves a lot of waiting and fighting battles until the government increases war spending.
If the player had the option of receiving a one-time infusion of money at the beginning of a war, we could make more realistic decisions.
For example, we could immediately build/expand fortifications and airbases in key areas, and continue important ship construction even if the player doesn't have the funds right away.
The interest rate would still mean that taking care of one's money is the most efficient option. It also limits the exploitability of this feature.
Also, taking on debt could be associated with loss of prestige.
I don't have specific numbers in mind, but something like 10%, 20%, and 40% of the budget might be a reasonable value for a small, medium, or large loan. At a 1% interest rate per month, a debt would increase by 1.01^12=1.127. For a long 5-year war, this means an increase of 81.7% that you will have to pay back on top of the original amount.
To keep track of debt and accrued interest, the debt, interest rate, and accrued interest should be displayed under the budget, similar to how the tonnage of the fleet is displayed during a treaty.
First, this would be more historical and more immersive. During major wars, nations often took on debt to fund their war expenses.
Second, this would prevent a number of gameplay issues. When you enter a war, spending goes up a lot. Sometimes you are already prepared for it and have enough money to take the hit. Sometimes, however, you are caught off guard and have to stop construction programs, espionage, etc., so the game involves a lot of waiting and fighting battles until the government increases war spending.
If the player had the option of receiving a one-time infusion of money at the beginning of a war, we could make more realistic decisions.
For example, we could immediately build/expand fortifications and airbases in key areas, and continue important ship construction even if the player doesn't have the funds right away.
Another thing that this would prevent is the frustrating loss of prestige and fleet morale that you can suffer from repair costs when you go into the red, even if you've just won a victory greater than Trafalgar.
Here's how I imagine it could work out:
Country A declares war on country B.
In the first few months, there is an event where we can recommend that the government take out a loan to finance the war expenses. We could recommend the size of the loan or reject the option outright.
Depending on the outcome of the negotiations and potential other factors, A and/or B get a fund infusion depending on the size of the respective economy or budget at a fixed interest rate.
As the war progresses, additional loans may be offered at a renegotiated higher interest rate.
The war continues for X months until resolution. Depending on the outcome, a part of the debt of the winning country may be transferred to the losing country.
After a short period A and B will have their budget reduced/part of the expenses repurposed for paying of the debt for a number of years. (the purpose of the time delay is so ships can repair and return to their home ports so the expenditure stabilizes before repayments start)
Additional thoughts:
The interest rate would still mean that taking care of one's money is the most efficient option. It also limits the exploitability of this feature.
Also, taking on debt could be associated with loss of prestige.
I don't have specific numbers in mind, but something like 10%, 20%, and 40% of the budget might be a reasonable value for a small, medium, or large loan. At a 1% interest rate per month, a debt would increase by 1.01^12=1.127. For a long 5-year war, this means an increase of 81.7% that you will have to pay back on top of the original amount.
To keep track of debt and accrued interest, the debt, interest rate, and accrued interest should be displayed under the budget, similar to how the tonnage of the fleet is displayed during a treaty.
