CivLabs Specialization Experiment: A Technical Analysis of Trial Zero

Published söndag 16 juni 2024 kl. på natten by Fýrine Holm

Author: Fýrine Holm
Date: 17:30 2024-06-15 PST
Summary: The Civlabs Team has recently concluded the initial trial of the Specialization Experiment. The Specialization Experiment was largely inspired by Joyful’s analysis of large-scale cooperation among groups of players in previous experiments within the Minecraft Civilization genre.

Introduction

The Civlabs Team has recently concluded the initial trial of the Specialization Experiment. The Specialization Experiment was largely inspired by Joyful’s analysis of large-scale cooperation among groups of players in previous experiments within the Minecraft Civilization genre. The team is proud to be among the first researchers to test the application of Joyful’s Theory of Specialization within the bounds of a rigorous experiment.

This report will detail the findings of Trial Zero, which will not have its results included in the final research paper of this experiment. This trial serves to examine the initial behavior of the experiment’s participants to determine if any modifications need to be made to the incentive structure prior to the commencement of the formal experiment.

It also acts as a test of the developer team’s custom-built plugin, which allows them to correct any technical bugs or system design issues.

Farmer – Capable of growing food for other players

Builders – Can reinforce blocks so structures are harder to destroy

Miners – Can extract essential raw materials such as iron and diamond

Healers – Can regenerate the health of other players

Librarian – Can enchant the tools and armor of other players

Guardsmen – Has increased combat capabilities relative to the other classes

Blacksmith – Can create tools and armor for other players