Theory
The Theory Team focuses on ensuring that Thrive remains as close to scientific accuracy as possible by balancing fun gameplay with reasonable science. This includes discussing concepts to ensure they are plausible, as well as devising ways of implementing real natural phenomena into Thrive as an enjoyable feature.
Activities
There are various ways theorists help develop Thrive.
- Back features with viable research to maintain scientific accuracy.
- Design game features around natural events. or theoretical science.
- Create prototypes to demonstrate and test large features.
- Discuss concepts with other developers and teams.
General Requirements
Theorists will typically require applicable knowledge in mostly biology or ecology, and ideally possess a decent understanding of game mechanics and programming. Other subjects may become important in the future, such as astronomy and technology once the game advances to such a point. But until then, biologists are desired.
- Degree level knowledge of scientific subject, most preferably biology or ecology.
- Communication skills necessary to explain potentially complex mechanics.
- Fundamental understanding of how videogames and programming work.
Workspace: Theoretical Framework
Resources
Below is a list of useful resources to study to learn more about speculative evolution, speculative civilization, and all the associated topics:
- https://spec-evo.fandom.com/wiki/Speculative_Evolution_Wiki - An online evolution wiki with plenty of content on speculative alien biologies and societies, with many phenomena and processes categorized and quantified.
- https://speculativeevolution.fandom.com/wiki/Main_Page - The older version of the above wiki.
- http://www.xenology.info/Xeno.htm - A book available online on many of the concepts of theoretical alien biologies and civilizations and the mechanisms by which they would exist.
- http://pcg.wikidot.com/ - A wiki with loads of research, examples, and discussion on procedural generation, a cornerstone of Thrive's concepts.