Civilization V: The Singularity

I have been an adamant player of the Civilization series of games. I borrowed my brother’s computer just to play Civilization IV a few months ago as mine was too old and slow (I’ve been holding out to get a screaming new system, optimized for Vista). I have a great idea for the next version of this game. It would be an excellent way to do four things:
1. A framework for the tech tree (both past and future)
2. A great way to educate the world on the coming technological changes of our time in civilization
3. Increase credibility/realism of the Civilization series
4. Increase credibility/realism of Ray Kurzweil’s vision
5. A great new goal/end of the game and civilization

By incorporating the technological path described in Ray Kurzweil’s latest book, “The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology”, it will utilize Kurzweil’s in-depth research of the time and speed of technological advancement (from a historical perspective) as well as how to create great technology “buds” for future technology. The end of the game, as opposed to growing to outer space (among other victory conditions), it would be to create Strong AI and thus reach the Singularity, or the point in the future which we can not see beyond.

Time could change to years and months, though current games go from many years per turn to single years per turn later in the game, utilizing the exponential curves described in his book may add credibility/realism. There may be mathematical paradigms that could be incorporated into the game engine. Turns may be as small as months later in the game.

There would be new disasters and threats later in the game (e.g. grey goo, genetic engineering run amok, etc.) and new units (e.g. nanobots) among other things.

The growing credibility of Ray’s vision among not only futurists, but also credible government bodies, the educational establishment and the general public, will increase sales of the game and his book while educating people. Titling the new game, “Civilization V: The Singularity” would surely be recognized as a landmark game, not just for the great gameplay and sales it would generate, but also for helping to prepare the world for the coming turbulent times we face.

Just a thought as I read my travel book for Costa Rica…