SimPolitics
I’ve always been enamoured with the integrated economy, but never had the commitment to put it into action. With TS2 I did draw out an elaborate city government, replete with judicial system (+ courthouse), integrated economy with businesses, farm system, tax system, the works. Then I realised it was all too much for me. The rules were too restrictive.
So I thought, the next time I do the whole hood-building thing, I’m going to cut back and chose to focus on the community. Small town dynamics and relationships, which is what The Sims is best at showing.
But what if the town had a say in its rules? I could start with a blank slate and let the ‘citizens’ choose what is best. Think about it – the sorts of rules that people play their hoods by are actually real-life political issues: immigration restrictions, taxes, criminal laws, corruption. What kinds of political opinion would exist in a Sim world?
I’ve sketched out a rough idea of two political factions or parties.
Conservatives would be made up of the self-made, founding families, who are sick of paying fees and taxes for everything. In effect, they would represent the ‘normal’ gameplay – freely spawning townies, money from nowhere, etc.
Radicals, community-minded and poorer Sims, would agitate for welfare and more local services. They would represent ‘rules and restrictions’ – career caps, income taxes, population control, etc.
Yes, I have very BROADLY stereotyped the politics here. The point is, Sims in my Hood Project will take sides, and the ‘rules’ of the hood will depend on which side is strongest.