Victoria 3 Sphere of Influence Analysis - The Difference Between Good Ideas and Good Implementations

Victoria 3's upcoming Sphere of Influence DLC will likely make or break the game. There's a ton of weight resting on it, and throughout the time where people have been analyzing and considering the dev diaries, I've noticed a trend. Many people praise the dev diaries for their showcasing of some truly inspired ideas that will really spice up the game, and this is absolutely true BUT a critical piece of analysis I feel is missing is the question of how well these goods ideas will be translated into the game.

It's too easy to think that a good idea is inherently a good game mechanic, but after Crusader Kings 3 had some questionable implementations via plagues and legends, I think it's important to step back and understand that no matter how awesome ideas like private investment, power blocs, lobbies and catalysts all sound, there are many pitfalls for these ideas which we won't see until the DLC arrives.

This video essay discusses both the ideas, and the possible highs and lows of each mechanic we've had a dev diary about as of April 18th (yes I wrote the script a week ago and then never got around to making the video until now, but it's fine.) I hope you enjoy, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

Thank you.

Check out my Twitch and Discord:

TWITCH:   / tarkusarkusarkusarkusar  
DISCORD:   / discord  

Besides that, I hope you enjoy the video! Here are the timestamps, and music in the video:

Timestamps
Intro: 0:00
The Ethos of Sphere of Influence: 2:03
Power Blocs: 7:49
Ownership and Investment: 11:57
Subject Improvements: 17:53
Lobbies: 22:55
Diplomatic Catalysts: 25:57
Flavor: 28:06
Conclusions: 32:24

Music:
Glory to the Queen - Victoria 3 OST
Praise the Lamb - Cult of the Lamb OST
War of the Sundered - Endless Legend OST
Coalescence - Risk of Rain OST
Flawless Theory - Endless Space 2 OST
The Drakkars - Crusader Kings 3 OST
The Dynasty - Crusader Kings 3 OST
A Kora Tale - Endless Legend OST