Filtered Complexity - The complex and deep simulation should be filtered and accessed through a layer of systems that the player does not struggle to understand and manipulate. The player should be able to dive into the raw data, but this should never be required to just play the game.

The Peaceful Century - It should never be necessary to start a war in order to have fun with the game. You should be able to play as Belgium from 1836 - 1936, never get into a war and still enjoy yourself greatly. The most important part of the game is building your country, not tearing down others’.
Era of Change - You should get the sense that the world is constantly changing through technology and the onslaught of modernity. This should be a tumultuous process, full of opportunity and danger.

Putting Politics in Video Games - All the game’s features should tie into politics and/or diplomacy in some way, contextualizing the views of your population and other governments.