Question
Discuss what "economic development" means in the context of this game? (Hint: How do you win, and what do you have at the end of the game that you did not have at the beginning of the game?)
Answer
Economic development happens whenever there is sustained growth by planned policymaking leading to an inclusive and all round uplifting of the standard of living. In the context of the game, development happens whenever roads, cities, settlements or ports are built. Now, in order to so and make the development progress on the desired line, the planning by the player is of utmost importance. It also depends upon the judicious use of resource cards and victory points. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the player to keep track of what is required to keep the development of his hex all round. This includes smart and planned use of the bank to get resources which are required. So there is not point keeping the resources which are not required and not exchanging them with the bank to obtain the resource actually required. Also, trade with other players is important. By trading the player can obtain desired resources from the other player.
Now, by planning the development of the hex properly and keeping an eye on the number of VPs obtained and the requirements for obtaining additional VPs; the player can move towards victory. Here, 10 VPs mean victory. This implies that winning or obtaining 10 VPs is a symbol of victory. Therefore, by developing his region by efficient use of resources and utilizing the available media of exchange effectively; a player can earn more VPs and hence win, leading to economic development.