My economy always tanks around 1930

[76561198051514398]

A plantation of almost every kind, raids getting me loot, a rum distillery, cloth factory, plank factory, boat constructing area, a few mines. And my economy still just goes into the mud.

[TreeKneeChee]

I am having the same issue. If you look at your "Lifetime Income" under your factories, are you seeing a negative number?

[smjjames]

You don't mention it, but is that with any mission or in sandbox or does it happen with a particular mission?

[76561198051514398]

Originally posted by smjjames:

You don't mention it, but is that with any mission or in sandbox or does it happen with a particular mission?

It's a sandbox, average settings for everything pretty much.

[76561198051514398]

Originally posted by TreeKneeCheeee:

I am having the same issue. If you look at your "Lifetime Income" under your factories, are you seeing a negative number?

Same.

[jlking3rd]

Originally posted by JohnTheGreat:

Originally posted by TreeKneeCheeee:

I am having the same issue. If you look at your "Lifetime Income" under your factories, are you seeing a negative number?

Same.

I think that one is just poorly worded. I could be wrong, but I think 'income' refers to the wages you are paying your workers. It is their income after all.

[76561198051514398]

Originally posted by jlking3rd:

Originally posted by JohnTheGreat:

Same.

I think that one is just poorly worded. I could be wrong, but I think 'income' refers to the wages you are paying your workers. It is their income after all.

That makes sense, but you're right, it is odd phrasing.

[76561198051514398]

Hey lads, if you figure anything out, please get back to me. I really want to play the game but this income thing is becoming a dead end for me.

[smjjames]

I've been having problems with economy in the missions as well though as it can be a real struggle.

[Der Dutchman]

First, "Income" is how much that building makes NOT including export value. So factories are always negative, since they don't make anything but DO cost money.

Second, my guess is your economy tanks around this time because that is when your tropicans start retiring and are now a burden to your economy. Combined with the lower export prices of the world war period and you have a recipe for disaster.

[jlking3rd]

Originally posted by Der Dutchman:

First, "Income" is how much that building makes NOT including export value. So factories are always negative, since they don't make anything but DO cost money.

Second, my guess is your economy tanks around this time because that is when your tropicans start retiring and are now a burden to your economy. Combined with the lower export prices of the world war period and you have a recipe for disaster.

I guess the factories have to be that way or it would be a bit of double accounting.

[Molly ~]

I got the same problem, playing 5 sandbox games and during 1920 - 1940, I always been in debt and profit always negative, but as the year pass to around 1940, my profit suddenly went up without any change, no new industry, no new income source, it just suddenly went up for 20k$ per shipment. For a moment I thought it must be those economic crisis as well, but if so, the game must have telling us.

[76561198051514398]

Originally posted by Der Dutchman:

First, "Income" is how much that building makes NOT including export value. So factories are always negative, since they don't make anything but DO cost money.

Second, my guess is your economy tanks around this time because that is when your tropicans start retiring and are now a burden to your economy. Combined with the lower export prices of the world war period and you have a recipe for disaster.

So do I just have to do nothing for 10 years, or what?

[smjjames]

If it really is the economic crisis of the 1930's and not a bug it'd be nice if the game actually said that was happening.

[TeddyNinja]

I think a lot of advice in this thread is very good. One thing I haven't seen is are you using the employee of the month edict?

Playing missions on hard this edict seems to be mandatory for me to use, it's amazing. Hopefully I can review the save file after work but seriously that one edict can be a lifesaver.

Also remember that your plantations and other colonial era goods loose some of their value as you advance. My strongest economies have had a few very focused industries and I try to keep them as modern as possible. Getting a power plant to get some big upgrades on important buildings is very useful, along with getting government buildings to stimulate export prices and improve efficiencies across the island.

[76561198051514398]

Originally posted by TeddyNinja:

I think a lot of advice in this thread is very good. One thing I haven't seen is are you using the employee of the month edict?

Playing missions on hard this edict seems to be mandatory for me to use, it's amazing. Hopefully I can review the save file after work but seriously that one edict can be a lifesaver.

Yeah, I've genuinely tried out every mix and match of edicts, lowering budget, raising budget, etc.

Nothing seems to work.

If it is supposed to be the Great Depression, I'll agree, that's very cool. But they should give you a heads up or tell you when it's going on.