REPRESENTING INFLUENCE IN GAMES – Brian
I thought I’d jot down these notes as they’re probably too long to describe in the session at the games weekend.
I think a starting point for this is how it occurs in reality. I’ve largely looked at a modern context as it’s the most diverse.
I think the theme emerges that it’s basically about providing resources to other players rather than trying to influence players themselves. The latter can be difficult if players don’t follow / forget their briefing.
To make any of these work in a particular game would require that the appropriate structures are in place, eg that the object of the game is to pass legislation so structure and voting need to be in place. A game in a developing country where a coup is an ever-present threat would require representation of the armed forces / security forces.
| Type of influence | Impact |
| Wealth | Donations to political funds, bribery & corruption / provision of resources eg transport, hospitality |
| Media | Ability to influence opinion formers and/or mass opinion eg Murdoch or spread lies and disinformation eg Trump |
| Possession of information which has a reputational impact | Blackmail re: illegal activities. sex etc eg Profumo |
| Access to others of a like mind | Taps the resources of wealth / power of others, eg brexit groups |
| Control / Access to security forces | Ability to harass opponents eg of protesters against arms sales, FBI harassment of left-wing groups |
| Control / Access to armed forces | Ability to oppose / support a coup |
| Control / Access to intelligence forces | Ability to gain information on individuals / opponents’ intentions and dirty laundry eg wikileaks, Democratic party emails |
| Directed violence | To intimidate opponents eg Nazi Germany |
| Cyber capability | Information access / denial of service |
| Criminal resources | Eg suspected cooperation of Mafia and CIA over Cuba |
| Political structures | To launch investigations which will hurt opponents eg HUAC or control of a process eg delaying Obama’s appointment to supreme court or to accelerate / delay legislation |
| Control of votes | Eg in legislature to help / hinder initiatives eg votes to destroy Obama-care |
| Social networking | Ability to promote a career (eg intern with politician) or hinder (eg blacklisting union activists) |
| Mass membership bodies | Ability to turn out large numbers for political demonstrations / strikes |
| Weaponry | To arm supporters eg arms smuggling to any hot spot one could name |
| Contacts | Eg people with specialised skills, local knowledge, probably in other countries. |
| Family / Faction loyalty | Eg you’re a Capulet so all the Capulets are with you. |
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