I remember having this issue long before 2020. I would recommend to check each players internet connection. Perhaps it gets fixed, if the one having bad internet connection restarts his/her modem. In general the player having best internet connection should host game.

Groo wrote:

I remember having this issue long before 2020. I would recommend to check each players internet connection. Perhaps it gets fixed, if the one having bad internet connection restarts his/her modem. In general the player having best internet connection should host game.

I second this. The AI takes over when a player is considered to be disconnected. Sometimes a multiplayer game will desync and the AI will begin playing for someone who briefly lost connection, but is still viewing the game.

Make sure everyone's internet connection is stable, and try to host the game on the best connection.

Perhaps it is better to reduce the game’s requirements for connection, leading to transfer of a player’s faction to automatic control. Our Internet connection is good enough to play dynamic games, like the Sins of a solar empire, without any issue. Why is it not enough for a turn-based strategy?

This game does not have any more official support. In your case I would check out these official fixes https://steamcommunity.com/app/289130/discussions/0/517142253859718203/

adapted to your and your friends os and rig. Anyway, you and your friends could choose to install ELCP (Endless Legend Community Patch) for ongoing support.

Can ELCP designer add an option to not drop factions with "bad" connection under AI control? That would be a solution of the problem for me and my friends.