Multiplayer works like this. A set number of cities are created (let's say 4) with associated maps for each. A number of default CPU cities are provided on the map for certain resources: the goods of the CPU cities are the same for all players in a multiplayer match). Each player who joins will be randomly assigned one of the cities, and that city will produce certain goods. The player is then required to rely on either the other players, or the CPU cities, to win.
A multiplayer mission can either be competitive or co-operative. In a competitive match, you play to conquer each other (ie, one person will capture everyone and you are rivals to each other). In a co-operative match, you work together to reach the goals of each city (ie, you are allied together).
The goals that each player must reach will not be the same: each city map will have its own goals (for example: one city might require the player to build a stone great wall and have 3000 people, another might require you to meet a profit goal, and another might require a large population for a capital city).
While the GOG.com version does include multiplayer, you will have to use something like Hamachi or Gameranger to support multiplayer outside of LAN connections. I haven't played multiplayer myself and don't know how it works, but the info above is based on reading the campaign creator guide, which explains how to configure up such a campaign. :)
Post edited February 09, 2017 by Shukaku
