Topic: Civcraft: a political simulation in Minecraft (Read 3995 times)

Hi guys,
When I have free time, I like to play Minecraft.  A group of "Anarchist Capitalists" founded a server to explore their political ideas in a virtual environment.  Later they attracted Socialists, Communists, Mutualists, and people who wanted to try out some far out politics like absolute monarchy and islamic terrorism.  One of the funnier moments was when Allah was proclaimed the "One True Comrade", and all the communists were ordered to wear burkas, even the men.

Anyhow, they are looking for more members who are interested in applying politics to real groups of people.  A member posted a good description of the world, and his political views about how things work:

http://www.reddit.com/r/Civcraft/comments/1hw2iv/mcdoublewcheeses_manifesto_the_invictan_principle/

The Invictan Principle

Today, we live in a world where a mad king reigns, where brotherhoods demand quotas be met by tired workers, and where an undead man forces his citizens to dig, and while they struggle, he prospers. Where droves of dying men are forced to dig in to the Iron Mountains, and where groups of barbarians roam the landscape, raping and pillaging. A world that is run by royalty, conflicting political parties, states, and crime. A sad, disgusting world.

Sovereignty

A geographical claim that is run by taxation, royalty, or political parties is immoral, and should not be allowed on our great, free earth. Every man, at wake, is given his own right to the land, body, and spirit. This should not be impeded by another man, group, or state.
A man is not willing to supply any wealth nor labor to any man, group, or state unless contractually agreed upon. Even if said man is the last needed piece in a struggle, he has the right to deny, regardless of opinion.
Commonly owned land is allowed, but not by an individual. No individual should have any higher level of access to a work that has been created by the labor of many. An example of this would be, roads. Roads are created by the labor of many so that they have an easier access to their entirely separate, private lives and intentions. Separate structures, works, and grounds may all be public, but on the grounds that everyone owns them, and they can not be changed. Changing the previous would be a violation of the NAP.

Disputes, Conflict, and War

Any man that deals damage, violence, or crime on to another, will be subjugated and brought to trial by the victim. While no man has a right to claim others property, or harm them, they have a right to defend themselves, and their property in the event that someone has over-stepped their boundaries.
In the event that another group has put a community at risk, the community may form an active militia during war time, and act accordingly. Singular men are not capable of defending themselves, and must seek the help of an ally. However, during peace time, an active militia should not be allowed, this is due to the power and responsibility that they would be given, not earned.
Private policing is allowed, and multiple groups are allowed. Competition is key. One, state-owned policing force is open for corruption, and has no integrity. A group that is looking to be sustainable will have to keep in business, any such acts of criminal behavior will immediately persuade any man not to trust said force, and another will be favored. Competition keeps prices, activities, and trust all in great standing. Some say competition of policing forces will result in war, however, they will not. War is not beneficial to any involved party, and is primitive, and savage. The largest group, the private citizens, will ultimately reign supreme in the end, and no policing force, regardless of size or power, will be able to trump the people. This would in turn be a violation of the NAP.

Economy, Market, and Labor

As said previously, any man is not required to work unless contractually bonded. However, some may want to work to achieve more from the surrounding people. Anything should be allowed, as it is a free market. If one man wants to sell diamond at twice the cost, then he is allowed to do so. Some favor state-run regulation to prevent these kinds of things, however, the people's choice will eventually run the man out of business, and without intervention. The people are allowed to set up their own currency, goods, or contracts. Nobody is forced to provide labor, or goods, and everything that happens in the free market happens because a private citizen sees an opportunity for himself, not to impede the lives of others. A free market is the best option because, it allows people to choose what they want to buy, sell, or trade for what they desire, and without intervention. In an anarcho-capitalist community, men choose to gather what they desire, and act as they want, as long as they do not conflict against another man's desires. This type of society is the best for innovation, improvement, and happiness. The free-market prevents any group from setting up a monopoly, or regulation, and allows every common-man to do as he wishes.

Conclusion

Freedom, privacy, and self-worth are the most important things a man has in his life. He shall not be impeded by another man, state, or collective. A man will always find himself safest, and happiest living by the code of this book. A code that prevents struggle, dominance, or oppression is a code that i will always live by, that others live by, and that i hope many, many more will soon live by.
Was bored, decided to write how i, and fellow people live in Civcraft.


Some details about the game: you need a Minecraft client on PC to play, which is 20 euros.  Most conversation happens on the reddit forum linked above.  Each town has their own laws and justice system, but if you go around robbing/stealing you will probably end up a prisoner.  There has been some trade using Ripple for payment, if you are interested in a "risk free" way to learn about Ripple that might be the way to go.  Of course, like real life, most people don't know how Ripple works, but at least it's actually been used before.