Paradox has opened applications to beta test their computer translation of Diplomacy. I am curious as to how they are going to make it work. The initial placeholder artwork in progress is pretty awful – at least I hope it is placeholder art.

I am certainly anxious enough to consider applying myself, but, to maintain my objectivity when the time comes to preview/review it, I’ve decided to forego applying. I have a minimal chance of success but if I were accepted to the beta test, the NDA would prohibit me from publishing gossip or rumors about how the game is progressing.

Early word is that the game will focus on the negotiation phase. The screenshots look very much like traditional board game Diplomacy, but one of the shots call the map “default”. This means that either there are a variety of map designs being considered for the final version or that the game will allow playing different variants of the game.

You can unleash your inner Kissinger in November 2005.