Offworld Forums
I wish when you buy someone out you got their patents as that is sometimes a huge reason why real life companies do hostile takeovers. Maybe when you buy someone out an option of what patents you wish to apply to your business. (A one time thing)
Each patent could be sold at auction, and, if no one claims it, it defaults to the buyer. Although this is not factually accurate, it could be used to prevent steam rolling.
Alternatively, have patents increase the value of your company's stock, since they clearly add value to your business. And yes, when peeps buy you out, they should get your patents too. Having them increase the share price will also prevent this steamrolling/snow balling out of control.
We had huge steamrolling problems when patents rolled over to the buyer. The rich got even more richer in those circumstances. Also players could research a "poison pill" patent like the water engine to hose their buyer.
We may consider it again in the future, but I feel like the game needs more "catch-up from behind" features and fewer "rich get richer" features.
-Scott-
Losing patents from the game still feels kind of lame.
A couple of other options might be to unlock the patent to be researched again, or make the patent free for all with a toggle on/off.
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