4X Games: Exploring New Frontiers in Gameplay

4X games have long been favored by players for their sandbox-like qualities and strategic gameplay. The genre, named for its four main pillars of eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate, offers a wide range of possibilities for players to create their own unique experiences. While 4X games are often associated with military action and conquest, there are those that challenge traditional narratives and offer alternative perspectives.

One such game is Syphilisation, developed by Nikhil Murthy. It is a “post-colonial 4X” game that serves as a parody of the popular Civilization series, focusing on colonial India during the British Raj. Syphilisation retains familiar 4X concepts but aims to reframe the narrative of human struggle as a collective effort towards a better world. Players take on the role of research students, interpreting historical figures like Gandhi and Churchill while managing units and cities.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Nikhil on Twitter about Syphilisation and its unique approach. We discovered a fascinating connection between Nikhil and Ryan Sumo, the developer of Political Animals and a business owner at Paradox Interactive. Ryan, in turn, is friends with Jon Shafer, a veteran designer of Sid Meier’s Civilization series. This led to a thought-provoking conversation about the portrayal of history and empire in 4X games, depending on one’s cultural background. Below is a condensed transcript of our discussion:

An Unconventional Idea: Post-colonial 4X

Edwin: Nikhil, could you share the inspiration behind Syphilisation and how it has evolved over time?

Nikhil Murthy: Syphilisation originated from a pun I came across while reading Ulysses by James Joyce. The idea of critiquing a game and its genre through gameplay mechanics, rather than traditional essays or reviews, intrigued me. 4X games inherently carry colonial ideologies, and I wanted to subvert those ideologies by creating a post-colonial 4X experience.

Challenging the Pillars of 4X Games

Nikhil: Two key pillars of 4X games that I believe hold significant ideological weight are the notion of a single winner and the obsession with endless growth. However, in the real world, we are witnessing the consequences of unlimited growth and the urgent need for sustainability. By questioning these traditional notions, we can expand the possibilities within the genre.

Ryan: The concept of growth for the sake of growth is deeply ingrained in 4X games, making it difficult to replicate the allure. How do you subvert or replace this element?

Nikhil: From a game design perspective, we can introduce challenges and limitations to growth. In Syphilisation, I incorporated a pollution system as a metaphor for internal conflicts within the research group. By emphasizing collaboration and improving personal work ethics, players can reduce pollution and build a more balanced society. The goal is to complicate the notion of growth rather than offering it on a silver platter.

Redefining Success and Collaboration

Jon: In traditional 4X games, the objective is to emerge as the sole winner. Does Syphilisation follow the same framework?

Nikhil: The main objective in Syphilisation is to produce a high-quality group report, but the game also emphasizes building relationships with other group members. I believe collaboration and getting to know others are as important as achieving individual success. While games like Civilization often frame victory as a winner-takes-all scenario, there is room for collaborative achievements, such as space exploration or cultural accomplishments.

In Syphilisation, players take on the role of research students who are initially unfamiliar with each other. The game encourages players to learn about their peers and develop friendships, mirroring the natural process of working together in a group.

4X games have a broad scope for innovation and experimentation. Games like Syphilisation challenge preconceived notions, spark critical discussions, and offer players new ways to engage with history and empire-building. By questioning established tropes and leveraging game mechanics, these games expand the possibilities of the genre and invite players to explore new frontiers.