These events occur randomly in the course of the game and affect game parameters on a scale wide enough not to advantage or disadvantage too much particular players. The frequency at which random events occur will have to be precisely defined, however it will be devised so that everyone is affected by a random event every now and then in any case.

Random events are defined by an effect, an application range and a duration. For instance, one such event could be a disease reducing population growth in a layer of the universe for a week. Several categories of random events have been devised so far.

Spatial phenomena such as ion storms, meteor showers or electromagnetic waves affect the behaviour of fleets, ships, communication and detection systems. Economic events affect planets’ production, resources and research. These include for instance economic booms or depressions, strikes, piracy or research boosts. Population-related events include epidemics, food shortages or religious holidays. Species-specific events affect various species-related parameters or occur on a per-species basis. Some affect all species, such as periods of xenophobia. Others affect the relations between two species, such as territorial disputes. The last ones are specific to one species, such as a breeding or hibernation cycle.

Various ranges for the application of random events have already been defined. These ranges can first of all be based on geography: an area of a layer, a layer, a set of layers or the whole universe. They can also be depend on species: one particular species, a set of species, all species. Finally the range can be have specific conditions, for instance all planets with an happiness level below a particular value or all mixed population planets, etc.

What do you think of this random events principle? Do you think it could add some dynamics to the game?

Do you consider the proposed application ranges are adequate?

Can you think of other random event categories?

What kind of events would you suggest?