Space exploration was one of the major sources of prestige and fame in the late part of the modern era, and considering the major technological innovations and the political implications(cold war) of the space race in our modern lives, it is no suprise that space exploration is considered a omnipresent theme in "historical" 4X games with a modern era/age.

i was wondering how would this would be implemented in the game, along with what role would it play in the late-game era of humankind and fame generation for the later eras.

Here's an idea: the various accomplishments in the Space Race (First Satillite, First Human in Space, First Human on the Moon, First Space Station, First Reusable Rocket, First Private Space Company) do not have set costs for completion. Basically, the more production/science/money you put toward them the higher chance they have at succeeding. If you are the first to do them you get a huge fame boost, but if you fail the disaster drops moral across the country, decreasing stability and forcing you to start over to figure out what went wrong. Players will have to balance the desire to be first with the need to get it right. You can also spy on others to find out how close they are, whether they are going to be attempting it soon (assuming there's a mechanic where you also can set a date, and setting it too close decreases your odds significantly), and even sabotage them to slow their progress or decrease their odds.

strattactalk wrote:

Space exploration was one of the major sources of prestige and fame in the late part of the modern era

I think that's debatable.

Space exploration and control are definitely important. But the space race was more a non-violent competition than a source of prestige and fame. 

Should the space race be a consequence of a particular industrial/scientific gameplay?

Should it be a goal in itself with all civilizations potentially competiting with eachother?

Should it be in the interest of every civ to have satellites for coms and defense?

In Civ6 it's a separate victory type, so not all civs will pursue it. There's no real guarantee of space race, but there's a guarantee of competition for victory.

In Humankind, it could basically be the same thing, as the natural goal of a focus on science and/or industry and pacifist attitude.

But it could also be a late game minigame. Once we reach a specific era, everyone gets a challenge and different ways to achieve its goals (traditional or shadier ones).

Or it could just be integrated into the gameplay and not be a special source of fame. After all, the space race wasn't only for prestige. It lead to our modern world where space is crowded with satellites. Sure you would get some fame for being the first to send a man in space or walk on the moon, but the real sources of prestige and influence in the modern age come from culture and trade. Basically, who watch your movies and who buy your stuff. It's certainly sad, but I'd argue that the US got more fame thanks to coca cola than by sending a man to the moon.

Since one of the earliest promo images for the game was the guy with the Egyptian flag on the moon, I'm certainly guessing it will be a source of fame in the game. Maybe they could have a space program that you build to establish, then divert gold and science into to reach certain milestones? I like Dinodes idea of a possible failed launch, maybe you can rush to finish but with a chance of failure?

Dinode wrote:

Here's an idea: the various accomplishments in the Space Race (First Satillite, First Human in Space, First Human on the Moon, First Space Station, First Reusable Rocket, First Private Space Company) do not have set costs for completion. Basically, the more production/science/money you put toward them the higher chance they have at succeeding. If you are the first to do them you get a huge fame boost, but if you fail the disaster drops moral across the country, decreasing stability and forcing you to start over to figure out what went wrong. Players will have to balance the desire to be first with the need to get it right. You can also spy on others to find out how close they are, whether they are going to be attempting it soon (assuming there's a mechanic where you also can set a date, and setting it too close decreases your odds significantly), and even sabotage them to slow their progress or decrease their odds.

That's an amazing idea, I hope this idea is implimented in the game

Ezumiyr wrote:

strattactalk wrote:

Space exploration was one of the major sources of prestige and fame in the late part of the modern era

I think that's debatable.

Space exploration and control are definitely important. But the space race was more a non-violent competition than a source of prestige and fame. 

Should the space race be a consequence of a particular industrial/scientific gameplay?

Should it be a goal in itself with all civilizations potentially competiting with eachother?

Should it be in the interest of every civ to have satellites for coms and defense?

In Civ6 it's a separate victory type, so not all civs will pursue it. There's no real guarantee of space race, but there's a guarantee of competition for victory.

In Humankind, it could basically be the same thing, as the natural goal of a focus on science and/or industry and pacifist attitude.

But it could also be a late game minigame. Once we reach a specific era, everyone gets a challenge and different ways to achieve its goals (traditional or shadier ones).

Or it could just be integrated into the gameplay and not be a special source of fame. After all, the space race wasn't only for prestige. It lead to our modern world where space is crowded with satellites. Sure you would get some fame for being the first to send a man in space or walk on the moon, but the real sources of prestige and influence in the modern age come from culture and trade. Basically, who watch your movies and who buy your stuff. It's certainly sad, but I'd argue that the US got more fame thanks to coca cola than by sending a man to the moon.

I do agree with your reasoning and position, however, I do believe that we have not yet looked at the millitary innovations that sprung forth from the space age, like for example better missile technology(that allowed for the creation of ICBMs and modern cruise Missiles) and the Global positioning system. Perhaps this could be implemented in a similear fashion as Dinode suggested earlier.

Another way Space Stuff could lead to Fame? Be the first to develop a Laser Sattelite that shoots down a threatening Nuke before it can reach its target, thus making the Country that shot down that Nuke a Hero with everyone who does NOT want Nuclear Armageddon.

More likely is not the same as certain... kinda like there is a difference in combat mentality between the Warrior & the Berserker.

Not bad idea but I think the private space company is questionable and very much government specific.

I think there could be some solid advantages of space tech as well though. Who controls teh satelite system or able to have rockets launched have some practical advantage. So liek other civ might rent out to access some of these advantages? Weather predictions - gain some food yield or avoid some losses), spying perhaps,