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.