This has been discussed many times before. For an unknown reason the devs seem to be very reluctant to this proposal 

yes, I posted a Hotseat question in the multiplayer section of the forums.  Ironically, I mostly like hotseat for playing by myself with different leaders/factions played by me teamed up against different leaders/factions played by the AI.  It gives the game more life past the campaign without requiring mods that change the game or someone else to be around at the time that I want to play (I work and sleep very odd hours) thus making my one game copy sold more valuable to me.

^edited to include link https://forums.elementalgame.com/394664

I saw an official response from Stardock where Hotseat was listed as  "probably not". 

It's so shocking how Stardock hates programming multiplayer, loves playing multiplayer games.... and yet the ONLY multiplayer option scheduled in the recent future is the most difficult multiplayer design for programming!  It's like the Stardock developers are seeking pain.  Seriously multiplayer should have started as  HOTSEAT and PBEM then once stable move to the next more complex design continous LAN gaming then once stable move to the most complicated design continous WAN gaming while connected to Stardock servers.  Starting with what's OBVIOUSLY the most complex/difficult approach is like learning how to swim by parachuting from an airplane into the middle of an ocean. 

Yes, they should do hotseat if only because playing agaisnt oneself is the best way to testabuse strategies and help balance the game.

A 'probably not' is really a poor answer.

Of course LAN is much harder because of the continous communications across networking.  The point is stablizing the multiplayer gameplay, trades, interactions, diplomacy, exploits, etc., .  Once this is accomplished moving forward can primarily deal with the networking communications.

Yes, obviously changing the entire game structure to use sequential rather than simultaneous turns is a lot easier than using a different connection method for the same MP game.

Honestly, guys.

Elemental turns are simultaneous, everyone goes at the same time and hitting end turn goes to the next turn for everyone. Hotseat, by definition, has only one player doing a turn at a time. So, either Elemental needs to be changed to not use simultaneous turns, or to allow one person to control multiple "players" in game. Either way, that's not in any way, shape, or form, easier than changing what acts as a server and how packets are sent for the exact same game.

The amount of effort required for that versus the number of people who'd actually play hotseat is why there is no Hotseat and probably won't be.

I don't think hotseat is that crucial. PBEM, however, is in these types of games (i.e., long turns, long games), as I cannot imagine anyone sane and with normal daily schedule (work/study) being able to pull even small games off. PBEM solves this and is easy to implement. Instead, we're getting TCP/IP which, modern as it may be, is unsuitable for this type of game. It may be fine for Starcraft II where a typical game takes you up to 30 minutes, an hour max. Not here though.

Actually AgeofWonders:ShadowMagic  allowed for  HotSeat, PBEM, LAN, or WAN.... The LAN and WAN also offered switching between simultaneous and turn based... and you could rotate between them if desired.  I'm not saying this is something Stardock needs to accomplish right now, but it's definitely possible.  

Each multiplayer option will open the door for new multiplayer customers.  Some don't have the time to LAN/WAN with family and friends at the same time of day and need PBEM.  Some can only play from a single computer due to financial reasons and/or location and need HotSeat. 

Sorry in todays world, there is no reason to go through the extra hassle of play by email or hotseat.

If you cant afford two computers and two games, play chess

interesting, i did not realize it was simultaneous turns - this explains some of the funky things that have happened while chasing down invading armies lol