The human player has a natural advantage and inclination to min-max when encountering new species in Stellaris. For instance, if I encounter pre-sentient pops with the Proles trait (+30% minerals), I will uplift them and genetically engineer them with the Industrious trait (+15% minerals) to make them the perfect slaves for my mines.
The same might go for conquering a species of Intelligent creatures. Sure, I could enslave them, but the real bonus would be in assimilating them and exploiting their traits on labs. Even as a xenophobic, purging empire I once created an exclusive "science planet" for a species like this where they lived freely amongst their own so nobody would suffer a harsh xenophobic happiness penalty.
Now with the addition of species rights coming in the Banks patch, we are again offered a new set of customizable options for species we meet. This is great and gives the game needed depth. However, will the AI accurately implement these rights? Will they correctly assign a Charismatic species into Domestic Servitude to capitalize on the adjacent "other species happiness" bonus? Will they make Very Strong races into Battle Thralls and build a military academy to train them? Would a xenophilic empire actually deny migration rights to a Repugnant, Solitary creature like the Blorg?
Honestly, I don't expect this level of AI ability yet, but I do think it is something to consider as this game increases in complexity. Without adjustment, the AI's performance will likely suffer. But, if handled correctly, it could lead to unique, unfolding gameplay experiences and realistic diplomatic interactions.
The same might go for conquering a species of Intelligent creatures. Sure, I could enslave them, but the real bonus would be in assimilating them and exploiting their traits on labs. Even as a xenophobic, purging empire I once created an exclusive "science planet" for a species like this where they lived freely amongst their own so nobody would suffer a harsh xenophobic happiness penalty.
Now with the addition of species rights coming in the Banks patch, we are again offered a new set of customizable options for species we meet. This is great and gives the game needed depth. However, will the AI accurately implement these rights? Will they correctly assign a Charismatic species into Domestic Servitude to capitalize on the adjacent "other species happiness" bonus? Will they make Very Strong races into Battle Thralls and build a military academy to train them? Would a xenophilic empire actually deny migration rights to a Repugnant, Solitary creature like the Blorg?
Honestly, I don't expect this level of AI ability yet, but I do think it is something to consider as this game increases in complexity. Without adjustment, the AI's performance will likely suffer. But, if handled correctly, it could lead to unique, unfolding gameplay experiences and realistic diplomatic interactions.
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