The idea is after an adjustable time from 30 seconds to 5 minutes or when someone hits the afk button.   The  computer ai takes over control of player faction.   


this player ai sidekick should be as adjustable as possible by the player beforehand.

Given slidebars to adjust for a players wish to be aggressive / passive,   after gold,   maybe a priority list on luxury and production items.


This means if peole have to go afk / sleep / look after kids / make a drink    the computer can take the strain.


This could also help people who struggle to keeep up with the game mentally.  


Players should be able to step in at any time to take over again.


The ai could even record learn a players play style and try to copy it when the player goes afk.