Since it's like, Idea Week or something, I think we should talk about being able to have the classic form of multiplayer where everyone takes turns on a single computer (which certainly has nothing to do with the fact that I asked for it before).

EDIT: The edit appears to be broken because I kept editing the link and it wont show my changes. I meant this suggestion.

Hotseat was something a lot more relevant to the era before the internet was widespread. And honestly, I do sympathize with those of us who want to play something with friends in RL. You'd probably be better served playing a board game of some sort if only one computer is available, as taking turns with the same screen is kinda not as fun or tactile feeling.  Even if hotseat is viable, you have to remember that stuff does happen BETWEEN turns as well and it can be to your benefit to keep watch on the galaxy map for other player's ships flitting in and out of your vision range or updates on market changes or similar.  In effect, playing hotseat is playing a very slightly feature-incomplete version of the game.

All that said, it is still a really nice option if the game can have it. If just so it's easier to introduce the game to a real life friend.  4X as a genre is kind of in a tight spot right now with its inability to court as many new players.