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Currency and Economy: In-Game Currency Guide

We will now explore the digital currency system called “Bit Bank” and its implications on the game economy. Players in different designations and factions have various ways to earn and spend currency, allowing for a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.

Earning Currency (Bits and Iotas):

  1. Gigs and Jobs: Runners, Hustlers, and Execs can earn Bits by taking on gigs, odd jobs, and contract work. Completing tasks successfully or meeting specific objectives rewards players with Bits.
  2. Smuggling and Trafficking: Runners and some Hustlers can engage in illegal activities like smuggling or trafficking, obtaining Bits from clients willing to pay a premium for discreet and illicit services.
  3. Hacking and Modding: Modders can mine for Bits by hacking into secure systems, exploiting vulnerabilities, and digitizing valuable skills or assets.
  4. Fortune-telling and Spiritual Services: Shamans can earn Bits by offering fortune-telling services, spiritual protection, and hosting drug-induced rituals in exchange for payments.
  5. Political Activism: Vanguards can receive financial support from followers and supporters for their political activities and organizing movements.
  6. Participating in AI Projects: Cogs and some Modders may participate in AI projects and contribute to the AI and robotics infrastructure, earning Bits as rewards for their contributions.

Spending Currency (Bits and Iotas):

  1. Upgrading Equipment: Players can spend Bits to purchase and upgrade weapons, cyberware, and equipment, enhancing their effectiveness in combat and missions.
  2. Acquiring Information: Bits can be spent to gain access to valuable information, insider tips, or sensitive data from informants or data brokers.
  3. Buying Safe Houses: Players can invest Bits in safe houses or secure locations to hide from enemies, conduct business discreetly, or plan their next move.
  4. Gaining Favors: Bits can be used to gain favors from NPCs or factions, such as acquiring new contacts, securing alibis, or getting assistance in difficult situations.
  5. Acquiring Special Services: Players can use Bits to hire special services like bodyguards, hackers, or smugglers to aid them in their missions or to counter rival factions.
  6. Customizing AI and Robotics: Modders can spend Bits to customize and upgrade AI systems and robotic companions, unlocking new capabilities and functionalities.

Currency Dynamics for Different Factions:

  1. Runners: Runners primarily earn Bits through gigs, heists, and smuggling operations. They often spend currency on better weapons, cyberware, and hiring skilled team members for dangerous missions.
  2. Execs: Executives can earn Bits through corporate ventures and investments, while spending currency on maintaining their luxurious lifestyle, upgrading AI assistants, and acquiring influential connections.
  3. Hustlers: Hustlers make Bits through various odd jobs and entrepreneurial ventures, often spending on marketing and expanding their businesses, as well as improving their street-smart gear.
  4. Shamans: Shamans earn Bits through their spiritual services and rituals, using the currency to acquire rare components for their mystical practices and to protect their community.
  5. Vanguards: Vanguards gain Bits through political donations and public support, spending currency on organizing political campaigns, securing safe houses, and acquiring reliable allies.
  6. Modders: Modders mine for Bits by digitizing valuable skills and hacking into secure systems. They invest currency in acquiring cutting-edge technology and data to enhance their hacking capabilities.

Insurance and Warranties:

  1. Insurance: Players can choose to take out different levels of medical insurance ranging from bronze, silver, and gold coverage. Based on the level of coverage, certain amounts of physical damage may be treated for less than the cost of services.
  2. Medical Services: Hospitals and street doctor NPCs can provide medical, surgical, and healthcare services as necessary.
  3. Deductions: GMs can choose the rate at which deductions are made from player Bit Bank accounts with options being per every so many turns, every in-game month, or every new session.
  4. Warranties: Items and enhancements can be purchased with warranties that allow them to be repaired (partial) or replaced (full) when they obtain damage or are otherwise debilitated.
  5. Replacements: Item replacements can be done at market rate or at reduced rates for items with warranties.
  6. Voiding: GMs can create conditions through which warranties can be voided creating additional challenges for players.

Gameplay Tips:

  1. Balancing Economy: GMs should ensure a balanced economy by adjusting the rate at which players earn and spend Bits, keeping the game challenging and rewarding.
  2. Inflation and Hyperinflation: Introduce economic events or storylines that may lead to inflation or hyperinflation, affecting the value of Bits and Iotas and forcing players to adapt their strategies.
  3. Unique Opportunities: Create unique opportunities for each faction to earn Bits, reflecting their specific skill sets and affiliations.
  4. Economic Competition: Encourage economic competition between factions, driving players to outperform rival factions in earning and spending Bits.
  5. Story-Driven Rewards: Use Bits as rewards for completing critical story missions, fostering engagement with the game’s main narrative.
  6. Dynamic Market: Implement a dynamic market system for Bits, influenced by player actions and faction standings, affecting the currency’s value and availability.

Economics in Gameplay

There are several elements to the world that highlight the economic pressures and circumstances players must deal with. Implementing these in the game will add substantial challenges to the game and all of its interactions.

  1. Mandatory Warranties and Insurance:
    • All gear and augmentations come with mandatory warranties and insurance fees.
    • Failure to pay these fees results in increased maintenance costs and potential penalties for using uninsured gear.
    • Players must carefully manage their Bit Bank to ensure they can afford these ongoing expenses.
  2. Rent and Bills:
    • Players must pay rent for safe houses, hideouts, or even digital spaces.
    • Regular bills for utilities, virtual spaces, and maintenance can drain the players’ resources, encouraging consistent gig work.
  3. Debilitating Debt:
    • Players can take out loans from shady lenders for immediate funds, but high-interest rates lead to spiraling debt.
    • Debt collectors or repo agents could threaten players’ gear or even cyberware if they fail to meet their payments. Cyberware may be repossessed at private hospitals during hospitals.
  4. Exploitative Employment:
    • Gig opportunities should become increasingly exploitative, offering extremely low pay for dangerous or degrading tasks.
    • Desperate players may be forced to accept these gigs to make ends meet, further highlighting the oppressive economic climate.
  5. Limited Public Services:
    • Public services such as healthcare or education come at a high cost or are privatized, leaving players with limited access unless they pay substantial fees.
  6. Monopolies and Cartels:
    • GMs can establish monopolies or cartels that control specific sectors, dictating prices and exploiting players’ dependence on certain goods or services.
  7. Hidden Costs:
    • Hidden fees, taxes, and surcharges on transactions or equipment purchases can erode players’ earnings without them realizing it.
  8. Economic Blacklists:
    • Certain actions or affiliations can lead to players being blacklisted by corporations, making it difficult for them to find decent gigs or make purchases.
  9. Escalating Expenses:
    • As players advance, they may attract more attention from hostile factions, leading to increased costs for security measures, protection, and legal defense.

In conclusion, Bit Bank provides a rich and dynamic currency system for players to explore in the game. Earning and spending Bits become essential for advancing in different designations and factions, leading to strategic choices and immersive gameplay experiences. By understanding the currency dynamics for each faction and employing gameplay tips, GMs can create an engaging and captivating game economy for players to navigate and enjoy.