[gameprogrammer] Innovation and creativity. Getting OT?

_This is an abbreviation of my thoughts. If it is off topic let me know 
and we can continue on a private, direct discussion. I am thinking of 
ways to inclue these thoughts in my game design, so please feel free to 
poke holes in my theories (constructively please). AT the end are my 
thoughts on how to incorporate these theories into a game._
Interesting that the thread turned to war. While innovation and 
creativity are always around, I believe that wars are a major factor in 
Humankind's development. However, we must define the concepts involved 
carefully. Usually, the most innovation comes from wars between 2 
closely matched groups. Then there is a dealock and each side will be 
desparate to find a new trick. Also, each side must have a fair amount 
of resources to develop the ideas. The conflict in the middle east is 
not a good example as there is not really a fully determined frontline. 
At least one side is made up of many small groups who have stagnated in 
their tactics. Their resources, while in some cases considerable, are 
not entirely dedicated to a war effort against a single opponent. They 
also have found a single, potent weapon that is cheap enough (in their 
minds) to be used on a "large" scale (ie suicide bombers).

If you compare this to say, WW1, WW2 or even the cold war, you can see 
thta there is a small difference. There entire nations were involved. 
For example, in WW2, virtually the entire world's economy was geared for 
the war. AT the beginning the UK, France (etc) were on the "losing" side 
and were desparate to find the upper hand. Thus Radar was developed. 
Code breaking machines were developed. Search lights (which have 
translated into analytical chemistry intrumentation) were improved. 
Airplanes (eg spitfire) were redesigned. The military were given almost 
a free reign in their spending (after all the countries had nothing to 
lose) and almost any idea could be funded. Once the tide started 
turning, Germany (etc) became desparate and they also had virtually free 
reign over their spending. We got several good developments such as the 
jet engine and rockets. At a horrific human cost a lot of medical 
advances were developed.

All of these things could and probably would have been developed without 
a war, but the advances would have been slower. Some things may never 
have been established as the inventors could never have found 
"volunteers" for some tests. Also, let's keep in mind that in many 
countries, the military has a very large proportion of the tax money 
allocated to it. They therefore have a large stake in the scientific 
advances.


_
So to go back to game programming. I am thinking of including a "boost" 
in military research during large scale conflicts. (to go back to the 
game I use for comparisons) In CIV 3, you get the chance to "mobilise" 
your entire civilisation in times of war. That would be the trigger for 
such a boost. Once the war is finished, then I would forsee that some 
linked techs (non-military but somewhat based on military techs) would 
also have a reduced development cost.

On the other hand, some advances would have a "human horror" cost, This 
would mean that the country to develop these would get a boost in their 
science, but if they loose the war, they will be penalised in their 
diplomacy/ trade. Also, to prevent cheaters (ok like me), I would turn 
off saving the game during that period so that players really have to 
think of whether it is worth the gamble. (eg very high reward and very 
high risk).
_

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