effects of researching encryption /decreption

[v.Moltke]

I`m not sure wether it is of any value to research encryption/decryption device.
Is it a good idea to reduce my expenses in espionage and invest in research for encryption/decryption devices?

 

[Svend Karlson]

If I understand correctly, there are three main benefits to keeping your encryption/decryption current:

1. If you have lower levels than an enemy you are fighting, their units receive a positive combat effectiveness modifier (not sure whether this is both encryption and decryption, or just one)
2. It impacts upon the accuracy of the numbers assigned to enemy stacks that you can see but are not fighting
3. It impacts upon your ability to carry out espionage missions, and also upon the enemy's ability to carry them out in your country

I don't see how you can reduce expenses in research for encryption/decryption, since it requires research, but I'd certainly favour up to date encryption/decryption to spending on spies.

 

[v.Moltke]

Thanx for your reply

3. It impacts upon your ability to carry out espionage missions, and also upon the enemy's ability to carry them out in your country

Can you quantivy that a little bit. I mean is there a huge benefit, as the cost is immense, you invest into 7 techs until you have an effect, am I right?

 

[Svend Karlson]

Sure. Take for example the first Encryption Tech, which has amongst its effect this:

- 15% IntOp Chance Them

And the first Decryption Tech, which has;

+ 25% IntOp Chance Us

So, with both these techs, you get a 25% increase to your probability of sucessfully carrying out an espionage mission, and your opponents get a -15% decrease. So for example, if you have a 10% probability of stealing a blueprint, and then you complete the Decryption Tech and everything else remains in statis, the next day you will have a 12.5% chance of stealing a blueprint. I'm fairly positive this is how it works. Certainly, you can replicate what I'm describing in-game (as I have done) to see the effect from one day to the next.