Galactic Civilizations IV News

[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.

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[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/

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[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/

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Today, we embark on a journey into the vast expanse of 4X gaming and explore the rich lore and captivating background story of the Galactic Civilizations series.

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4X games, with their procedurally generated content, offer fertile ground for imagination, but there's something truly magical about an epic narrative that breathes life into emergent stories. Join us as we activate the databanks and take a trip back in time to the origins of this captivating universe.


[h2]A Tale of Ancient Empires and Stargates[/h2]
Our story begins in a time long before the emergence of Homo sapiens on Earth. Two great empires, the cruel and cunning Drengin, and the honorable Arceans, searched the stars with primitive probes. When they made contact, they combined their technological prowess to create the first great stargates, enabling faster-than-light travel.

However, the Drengin betrayed the Arceans and attempted a swift invasion of Arcea. But the Arceans, masters of warfare, crushed the invaders and shut down their stargate forever. The empires went their separate ways, encountering other alien races in their interstellar exploration.


[h2]The Rise of Synthetic Beings and Ancient Civilizations[/h2]
During their explorations, both the Drengin and Arceans encountered a mechanical civilization known as the Yor. These synthetic beings had exterminated their creators, the Iconians, who were in turn servants of an ancient Precursor civilization called the Arnor. The Yor's hatred for all living things drove them to spread their influence across the galaxy.

As the galaxy expanded, the humans from Earth entered the scene with their advanced fusion power and hyperdrive technology. Their reckless distribution of this technology triggered a race for the stars among the various civilizations.


[h2]Encounters and Alliances[/h2]
Among the first alien species to encounter humans were the Altarians, a race genetically linked to them. Prophecies spoke of the Altarians meeting their "cousins," leading to a profound connection between the two races. As the hyperdrive technology spread, the eight major civilizations formed a covenant of peace and prosperity.


[h2]The Dread Lords' Resurgence[/h2]
However, the greed of the Drengin led to a catastrophic event when they accidentally released the ancient Dread Lords from their pocket-universe prison. The galaxy was once again thrown into turmoil as the Dread Lords began their conquest.


[h2]The Final Showdown[/h2]
In the face of this existential threat, the humans united the remaining civilizations into a unified defense force against the Dread Lords. After a five-year war, the Dread Lords were defeated. The Drengin seized this opportunity and formed an alliance with the Yor, leaving the remaining coalition forces vulnerable.

In the chaos that followed, the Terran Alliance defended Earth using Precursor artifacts and set out to liberate the galaxy from the clutches of the Drengin and Yor. A mysterious insectoid race known as the Thalan also made their enigmatic appearance.


[h2]The Drengin Empire's Rule[/h2]
A decade later, the Drengin Empire rules the galaxy, with the Torians enslaved and the Arcean homeworld destroyed. The Korx and Drath have vanished, while Earth remains protected by an impenetrable shield. A new religious order, the Krynn, challenges the Drengin's control, and Colonel Jenna Casey's Terran Resistance fights a guerrilla war to liberate humanity.


[h2]A New Chapter Begins[/h2]
As the galaxy stands on the brink of new challenges and conflicts, the fate of the civilizations lies in your hands, dear gamers. Galactic Civilizations is a universe of boundless potential, and you are about to write its next chapter.

Today, we embark on a thrilling journey into the heart of the Galactic Civilizations universe, uncovering the core mechanics that make this 4X strategy series so captivating.

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Galactic Civilizations, developed by Stardock, is a renowned series of 4X games set in the vast expanse of space. Your ultimate goal is to guide your civilization to interstellar dominance amidst a galaxy teeming with formidable rivals. The gameplay is a harmonious blend of economic and industrial development, technological advancement, cultural influence, diplomatic finesse, and epic military conquest using player-designed warships.

Success in Galactic Civilizations hinges on strategic decision-making, long-term planning, and a touch of cosmic luck.


[h2]Starting a Game and Exploration:[/h2]
At the onset, players choose from a diverse selection of distinctive alien races, each with its unique traits, abilities, and backstory. From series veterans like the Dregin and the Yor to new additions like the criminally minded Xeloxi, the fast-growing Mimot, and the ravenous Festron, there's no shortage of intriguing civilizations to lead. Moreover, GalCiv4 introduces AlienGPT technology, allowing players to craft entirely new alien races with just a short prompt.

Once the civilization is chosen and the galaxy generated, the game commences. As explorers venture into the cosmos, their scouts unveil a treasure trove of resources, ancient relics, mysterious anomalies, and other civilizations waiting to be encountered.


[h2]Expansion and Colonization:[/h2]
The heart of the "eXpansion" aspect in 4X, players must wisely colonize planets as scouts unveil them. Planets vary in habitability, size, quality, and type, requiring thoughtful choices for optimal development. High-quality planets support larger populations and offer more space for asset construction. Sometimes, strategically seizing less habitable planets can prove advantageous for future resource exploitation or securing crucial chokepoints.

Starbases play a pivotal role in facilitating civilization expansion. These versatile structures can be tailored for specific tasks, such as mining bases for resource extraction, military bases for fortified defense, cultural bases for expanding influence, research bases for technological advancements, and economic bases for boosting industrial output and credit generation.


[h2]Resource Management:[/h2]
The core element of "eXploitation," Galactic Civilizations' standout feature lies in resource management. Three key resources are vital for your empire's success: Population, which is grown on core-worlds and generates credits and research points; Raw Resources, processed into manufacturing to fuel planetary development and shipbuilding; and Research, driving technological advancements.

Beyond these three, various strategic resources like Elerium, Durantium, Antimatter, Promethium, and Thulium play crucial roles in building powerful weapons and advanced starbase facilities. In the latest GalCiv entries, rare resources add an extra layer of complexity, enticing players with trading and strategic opportunities.

Striking the right balance among expansion, defense, technology, and the economy is the key to triumph.


[h2]Diplomacy and Combat:[/h2]
Diplomacy plays a crucial role in GalCiv's universe, and peaceful negotiations can open doors to valuable resources and alliances. Carefully navigating relationships with neighboring civilizations is essential for survival in a hostile galaxy. But when talks fail, war becomes inevitable. Players must lead their fleets of warships and fortified starbases into battle, engaging in strategic combat across planets and resources.

GalCiv's ship designer stands out, allowing players to customize new and existing ships with advanced offensive and defensive components, adding depth to the combat experience.


[h2]Technology and Victory Conditions:[/h2]
Researching new technologies is paramount for achieving victory in Galactic Civilizations. The extensive tech tree covers economic, military, cultural, and diplomatic aspects of civilization, offering multiple paths to advancement.

Victory conditions differ from game to game but typically include achieving dominance through force, securing a Technological victory via superior research, attaining Cultural victory by captivating the galaxy, or reaching an Ascension victory through higher states of being. GalCiv4: Supernova introduces the Prestige Victory system, offering players even more unique paths to triumph.



Thank you for joining us on this journey. Until next time, may your civilizations flourish and your quests for galactic dominion be met with resounding success!