Hi,
the recent Discord discussion has sparked me to write up my thoughts in the topic of money supply in the game.
Quite a few players find the current system with the market makers unsatisfactory. Yet it is clear that they fulfill an important role and simply removing them is currently not viable.
I dug up this thread from way back in 2019 which I find relevant to the following discussion:
https://com.prosperousuniverse.com/t/money-sources/1500
In an early universe I think the MMs are crucial to prevent the system from spiralling into deflation, but here is my suggestion for a matured universe (PrUn aims for a persistent game world after all):
The Dynamic Corporate Bond System
I imagine a system where the player, as part of a corporation, can strategically raise capital via bonds purchased by an elected ‘central bank’.
- Corporate Bonds: Corporations (with restrictions on size and age) can issue bonds. This gives more meaning to being part of a corporation in-game. Some systems are already in implemented, but unused.
- Central Bank as the Big Player: The Central Bank buys the bonds, injecting capital into the economy.
- Regular Interest Payments: The central bank has control over the terms of the bonds such as interest rates and maturity times, which the corporations are obliged to pay. Failing to pay back in time will reduce the corporations ability to issue further bonds.
- Strategic Buybacks: When a zero interes rate is not enough, the Central Bank additionally has the option to offer discounted buyback programs. Permanently adding money to the circulation.
- Player-Driven Policies: The players get to vote on Central Bank governors and lobby for policies. Real agency and power in the hands of the player base, ideally regulating the money supply well, otherwise causing upheavals and debates.
- Economic Indicators: This would necessitate publicly tracked stats like inflation and growth rates.
- Government Involvement: As part of the new governing system this could be tied to the faction spaces, where the governing bodies there get to vote on the Central Bank governor, allowing for divergence in the faction currencies and potentially attract economic activity via generous monetary policies or offering a safe haven with a stable orientated fiscal policy.
Why a player driven approach?
- Strategic Depth: When do you issue bonds? When do you buy them back? Every decision matters!
- Economic Balance: A way to control the money supply without having to resort to NPC interactions.
- Player Agency: Your choices and votes actually shape the economy. Corporations actually matter!
- Emergent Gameplay: Ideally this would give rise to unique stories and interactions for older companies which is different from the current MM grinding.
I hope such a system utilizes existing features as much as possible while offering a lot in potential with regards to a dynamic and adapting game economy.