Galactic Civilizations IV News

Greetings, fellow gamers and intergalactic strategists! Today, we delve into the fascinating world of Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova, where we explore the cutting-edge addition to the game, AlienGPT. This groundbreaking feature, developed by Stardock, leverages the power of GPT technology to redefine the way we create custom civilizations in this iconic space 4X gaming series.

In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through the exciting universe of Galactic Civilizations, highlighting the evolution of custom civilization creation and the game-changing impact of AlienGPT.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]Custom Civilization Creation: A Diverse Universe of Playstyles[/h2]
The Galactic Civilizations series has always been known for its ability to cater to a wide spectrum of gamers. Whether you're a meticulous min-maxer or a laid-back sandbox enthusiast, this game series has something for everyone. Since Galactic Civilizations II, players have had the opportunity to craft their unique civilizations to bring their gaming fantasies to life.

Core factions like the Terran Alliance, the formidable Drengin, and the iconic Yor have always adhered to the same set of game mechanics available to players when designing custom civilizations. This seamless integration between core and custom civilizations has been a hallmark of the series. However, crafting custom civilizations traditionally involved manual efforts, from writing background stories to selecting pre-generated images that match your vision.

This approach also had its drawbacks, as creating new core civilizations required significant resources in terms of writing, art assets, and game balancing. Stardock recognized the need for innovation.

[h2]AlienGPT: A Glimpse into the Future[/h2]
Enter AlienGPT, a revolutionary addition to Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova. GPT, short for "Generative Pre-trained Transformer," is a remarkable language model developed by OpenAI. It's capable of generating natural language text based on user prompts and can provide responses that are remarkably human-like.

Stardock saw an opportunity to harness this technology to enhance their games. AlienGPT was born, and it brings with it the potential to transform the gaming landscape. This technology can generate text content for various elements of gameplay, including civilization overviews, lore, in-game events, and diplomatic conversations. It's a game-changer, offering unprecedented levels of creativity and uniqueness in gameplay.

[h2]What AlienGPT Adds to the Game[/h2]
AlienGPT seamlessly integrates into Stardock's cloud-based metagaming technology, Tachyon. With a single prompt, the background and lore of a civilization can be generated. Pre-generated images of aliens are then presented to players to represent their newly created civilization. These images, crafted by Stardock's in-house artists, ensure a diverse range of visuals that align with the player's vision.

If AlienGPT encounters a prompt that it can't fulfill with existing images, it prompts Stardock's development team to create suitable assets for future use. This dynamic collaboration between AI and human creativity ensures a continually evolving gaming experience.

[h2]Let's Make a Custom Civilization[/h2]
To illustrate how AlienGPT works, let's dive into creating a custom civilization. Imagine you're in the mood for a war-focused gameplay experience with a touch of wild fun. You enter a prompt like "ancient dinosaurs that found advanced alien technology, fused with it, and became a race of war-hungry, cybernetic feudal lizard-knights." You also select various attributes like Biology, Cultural Affinity, and Behaviors, which not only influence civilization generation but also have in-game effects.

The result is a rich and detailed Startup Screen for your civilization, complete with a slogan, description, strengths, and weaknesses. Of course, you can edit these details to fine-tune your creation. AlienGPT then helps you choose a leader portrait, giving life to your new civilization.

From there, you can further customize your civilization's logo, map theme, theme tune, abilities, citizens, commander ships, and traits. With a touch of imagination and the power of AlienGPT, you've created a unique race of spacefaring dino-knights ready to conquer the galaxy.

[h2]Enhancing the Gaming Experience[/h2]
With AlienGPT and Tachyon, Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova introduces AI tools that significantly expand the volume of personalized, high-quality content. This translates into a more diverse range of gameplay options, deeper immersion in the game's universe, and enhanced replayability.

As we wrap up, we invite you to embark on this exciting journey of custom civilization creation with AlienGPT. Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in the 4X strategy gaming genre. Thank you for joining us in exploring this remarkable advancement in gaming technology, and as always, happy gaming!

[h2]View the full changelog here[/h2]

[h2]Version 1.8 adds hundreds of new changes, improvements, fixes and new content including:[/h2]

• New Major Civilizations: The Cosmic Contaminate and The Seeing.
  
• Multiplayer (competitive and cooperative).
  
• Major combat system update: Ships automatically use weapons on the main map from a distance.
  
• Major starbase update: Military starbases protect areas with deadly weapon fire at nearby enemies.
  
• Major AI revamp making it far better both at its planetary management and war fighting capabilities.
  
• Major UI improvements such as being able to minimize events (click off the event window) to check on other things.
  
• Balance update on influence: Players (and AI) can send military ships in orbit to slow down cultural takeovers.
  
• Major memory improvements, especially on larger maps.
  
• Bigger maps.
  
• Tons of new story-driven events.
  
• Legacy Crisis events: Events that spawn classic GalCiv civs (like the Thalan, Slyne, Xendar, Snathi and others).
  
• Tons of new ship components for the AI and players to design into their ships.
  
• Revamp of planetary citizens: Population matters a lot more.
  
• Major performance improvements (like 25X faster) turn times.
  
• Lots of quality of life improvements (sensor buoys, put ships on standby.
  
• Visual polish pass across the entire game.
  
• Tons of minor bug fixes.
  
• Lots of crash fixes.
  
• Much much more!
  

[h2]View the full changelog here[/h2]

[h2]Generally speaking, in GalCiv games there has been three types of players:[/h2]

The first player is the relatively new or casual player who finds the AI ridiculously hard and will post "The AI is cheating" (the AI doesn't cheat unless you make the settings super high). They say this because the AI is able to expand fairly quickly because it is quite good at scouting (the AI tends to build a lot more scouts than players) and finding planets. It has no idea where the planets are.

The second player plays the game fairly normally and is eventually able to win at levels up to and including the "Bright" difficulty where the AI is given a bit of help in the form of a slight money boost. These are people who tend to like the game the most because they see the AI playing fairly intelligently and each game is quite different.

The last player is the player who has figured out all the tricks with their Civ setup. They know which traits to pick and will make their custom civilization pretty amazing. They also know every weakness the AI has and can exploit that. These players can crush the AI even on Godlike.

Now, for the first type of player, we are doing more to slow down the AI on expanding on lower difficulty levels. They can't, for instance, rush starship construction.

For this discussion, it's the second and third type of player we want to discuss. And for that, we have to get into the sausage factory that is how terrible the AI is at managing planets.

WHY is the AI so bad at managing planets? The answer has been because of performance. Turn times. We've always had to really be careful on how sophisticated we make the AI's planet work (like we can't let it look ahead because that's an N^2 algorithm).

We've stuck with the same basic AI algorithms for planet stuff since GalCiv II.

BUT not anymore. It's 2023 and there's enough CPU power (and we've gotten enough time back thanks to other optimizations we're working on) that we could totally rewrite it. This will show up in 1.8.

[h2]Let's take a look at the old AI. Here is earth after 130 turns.[/h2]


You will see a lot of obvious issues here (and we're not even counting the bad citizen setup which we'll have to get into later).

Look in particular at the terrible Shipyard production.

[h2]Now let's look at the new AI:[/h2]


So what has changed?

A few things.

1. The AI is now quite good at destroying an existing district or low performing improvement and putting a new one on it.
   
2. The AI is quite good at terraforming.
   
3. The AI is now good at measuring not what the native qualities of a region on a planet are but also the effects of the other buildings (a very expensive operation). So the AI will happily ignore a +1 to wealth if the civilization needs food or if it's going to get a big research bonus by putting something there.
   
4. The AI is now much more intelligent about when to upgrade its districts.
   

Thus, in this example:

• Shipyard production jumps from 37 to 90.
  
• Manufacturing levels have gone from level 1 to level 3
  
• The AI has destroyed some districts to for in high end buildings (look at all the unbuilt special improvements in the top right in the top right)
  
• The AI is willing to build housing and food as its needs require it.
  
• Look at the the placement of the Starport? That's a level 5 Starport versus not building one at all because it didn't want to destroy any existing tiles to build it.
  
• It built a prison and a recycling center because the planet needed to reduce crime and pollution.
  

The knock on effects of this remain to be seen. But this will be available shortly.

Discover the captivating history behind one of gaming's most iconic 4X series! From its groundbreaking launch on IBM OS/2 in the 1990s, featuring innovations like multi-threading and customizable starships, to its progression on Windows with expansive maps and refined mechanics. Galactic Civilizations III's leap to a 64-bit engine brought unparalleled ship customization, while Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova Edition showcases Stardock's commitment to innovation with AI-driven civilizations and novel features.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]The Birth of a Cosmic Odyssey: Galactic Civilizations OS/2[/h2]
Our journey commences in the early 1990s, a time when the gaming landscape was akin to the Wild West. Meet Brad Wardell, a dedicated computer enthusiast and college student with a passion for Usenet forums, IBM's OS/2 operating system, and, of course, video games. Unlike his peers content with idle chitchat on message boards, Brad decided to bring his space 4X dreams to life, code by code, in 1992.

With a copy of "Teach Yourself C in 21 Days" and OS/2's innovative multi-threading capabilities, Brad birthed the first iteration of Galactic Civilizations. Stardock Systems was formed, and in October 1993, the public beta was unleashed. A year later, in 1994, the final release coincided with the iconic Master of Orion. Galactic Civilizations boasted a robust AI and OS/2's cutting-edge tech, which allowed computers to strategize during the human player's turn.

But that wasn't all; Galactic Civilizations flaunted a groundbreaking leap in graphics, featuring 1024x768 pixels and a stunning 16.8 million colors, dwarfing the pixelated competition of its time. The Shipyards update introduced ship customization, empowering players to craft starfaring vessels tailored to their empires' needs. With Galactic Civilizations 2 following shortly in 1995, the franchise had planted its flag in the fertile soil of space strategy.

[h2]The Stellar Windows Era: Galactic Civilizations Windows[/h2]
Fast-forwarding to the early 2000s, Stardock decided to venture into the Windows platform. Their timing, impeccable: Galactic Civilizations was slated for 2003, aligning with the troubled launch of Master of Orion 3. The stars smiled on Stardock as the latter's issues left gamers hungry for a fresh space 4X experience. Galactic Civilizations on Windows left the ship design feature behind but improved upon other aspects, becoming a critic and player favorite.

The game's intricate web of civilization abilities, political parties, and alignment-altering decisions lent depth beyond mere conquest. Unlike its contemporaries, tactical combat was confined to strategic maps, offering a seamless blend of maneuver and strategy. The narrative woven in the game manual gave rise to interstellar races vying for supremacy. Though graphically dated by today's standards, the gameplay remains robust, boasting AI competence and customization unparalleled in Space 4X.

[h2]Ascension to Greatness: Galactic Civilizations II[/h2]
Galactic Civilizations garnered commercial success, yet turmoil within its publisher pushed Stardock to self-fund their next endeavor. Galactic Civilizations II emerged, sporting a new 3D engine and scalable UI. Expansions Dark Avatar and Twilight of the Arnor brought asteroid mining, espionage, unique tech trees, and civilization-specific mechanics. GalCiv2's timeless visuals and gameplay earned it a place in the pantheon of top 4X titles.

[h2]Enter Galactic Civilizations III: A New Frontier[/h2]
After a detour into digital distribution and Elemental: Fallen Enchantress, a new team, including Civilization V's designer Jon Shafer, tackled Galactic Civilizations III. Released in 2015, it marked a shift with streamlined mechanics, expansive maps, and unprecedented ship design freedom. Four major expansions elevated the experience, refining mechanics and expanding civilization rosters.

[h2]Rising from the Cosmos: Galactic Civilizations IV[/h2]
Now we gaze upon the most recent constellation: Galactic Civilizations IV. A reimagining led by Derek Paxton, it addressed genre gripes and gave birth to a new era. Core Worlds and Colonies eased micromanagement, Sectors diversified gameplay, and Leaders added depth. With Control resources and Cultural Progression trees, Stardock forged a more accessible yet engaging universe.

[h2]Supernova: A Celestial Symphony[/h2]
And now, the climax: Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova. Brad Wardell's return birthed a complete redesign, reworking invasions, ship design, and even harnessing AI to create AlienGPT civilizations. Supernova's ingenious features—Sectors, Core Worlds, Leaders, and more—usher in a new era for the franchise, cementing its legacy among the stars.


In the tapestry of gaming history, the Galactic Civilizations series shines as a testament to creativity, innovation, and the power of passionate gamers. Each installment unveils a new chapter, building upon its predecessors while carving its own celestial path. As we venture forth into the cosmos, may Galactic Civilizations continue to guide us through the boundless expanse of space and strategy. Happy gaming!

Wishlist Now: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1357210/Galactic_Civilizations_IV/

[h2]View Full Changelog[/h2]

[h2]Two (3 more to come!) Factions Unlocked[/h2]
[h3]The Phalenoid Advance[/h3]
Embark on a celestial journey with The Phalenoid Advance, a moth-like faction that reveres culture, science, and peace. This diplomatic faction prioritizes peaceful solutions over conflict, using their far-reaching Influence to foster annexations if left unchecked. With their unique Nocturnal Ability, they alternate between "Waking" and "Dreaming" states. "Waking" bolsters Growth and Manufacturing, while "Dreaming" supercharges Research and Influence. Their Hopeful trait elevates planetary Approval for harmonious expansion.




[h3]The Luxar Dominion[/h3]
Welcome the Luxar Dominion, a faction steeped in arrogance and paranoia, yet gifted with cosmic telepathic abilities. With their telepathy, they wield the Pandemonium and Serenity Executive orders. "Pandemonium" spreads turmoil via chosen negative modifiers, while "Serenity" imparts chosen positive modifiers, all driven by their telepathic prowess. The Luxar Dominion's Paranoid trait enhances ships within their borders, granting a formidable increase in Hit Points and Attack power.




[h2]Updated Ship Designer[/h2]
Crafting your vessels is now more intuitive than ever, as we've streamlined the process of placing equipment on ships, ensuring a seamless and efficient design experience. Dive deeper into ship intricacies with enhanced information, allowing you to gain a comprehensive understanding of your creations as you build them.




[h2]Revamped Diplomacy Screen[/h2]
The Diplomacy Screen now brings clarity and strategy to the forefront. This significant update emphasizes resources, relationships, and more, allowing for better-informed decisions on trade and alliances. At the center, a streamlined table vividly communicates each player's resources. Meanwhile, the left-hand screen concisely presents a civilization's strengths, abilities, and diplomats, simplifying relationship management. This revamped Diplomacy Screen equips players with the insights needed to navigate diplomatic intricacies and make impactful strategic choices.




[h2]"Name a Star Contest" Winner Names Added[/h2]
The "Name a Star" contest winners have now become part of the game, with their submitted star names making their way into the cosmic expanse. As you traverse the galaxy, you'll encounter these named stars! This seamless integration of player contributions adds a layer of personal connection and authenticity to the Supernova experience.

[h2]Additional Screenshots:[/h2]








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Your continued support and feedback have been instrumental in making this game even better. As we continue to refine and enhance the game during the Early Access phase, we look forward to your valuable insights and suggestions.

Wishlist Now: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1357210/Galactic_Civilizations_IV/

[h2]View Full Changelog[/h2]