Ara: History Untold News

It's a good time to be a strategy game developer, according to Oxide Games, developers of Ara: History Untold, which happens to be a strategy game. Speaking to me during a showing of Ara - which is notable among turn-based 4X games for playing out every player's turn simultaneously - the creators offered a rousing characterisation of the genre, suggesting that strategy games have somewhat shucked off their association with stifling complexity and elitism, thanks not least to the recent influence of board gaming.

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Great news, Ara fans!

In our latest Dev Diary episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Will Chambers, software engineer extraordinaire at Oxide Games. Will gave us fascinating insights about Ara's innovative AI system and how it's shaping up to revolutionize gameplay in the world of grand strategy.

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Delving into the heart of Ara’s Leaders, Will unveiled the groundbreaking approach taken to fashion an AI that mirrors human cognitive processes. Ara's AI doesn't just make decisions; it ponders and strategizes like a human, weighing short-term and long-term goals, and adapting based on new information. All of this takes place while the player is strategizing, allowing for seamless simultaneous turns.

Each leader in Ara is characterized by a set of traits that significantly influence their strategic approach. Some are driven by expansion, aiming to grow their domains through warfare, while others fortify their capital with technological and cultural innovations.



Diving into the diplomacy system with Ara’s AI opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you aim to establish trade routes or forge new alliances, there are incredible advantages to be seized. But, proceed with caution! AI Leaders will always seek out diplomatic arrangements that work to their advantage. A tempting research agreement may grant you access to the technologies you missed, but the AI is given similar access, and could end up climbing to Tier 1 because of it!

Ara's AI is ready to offer a challenging yet thrilling experience for players both experienced and new to the genre. If you’re ready to learn more, check out the full episode on our YouTube channel, and don't forget to hit that subscribe button for more thrilling Dev Diary updates!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2021880/Ara_History_Untold/

🎃 Gather 'round, brave explorers and history buffs!

Something eerie has materialized in the latest installment of our Dev Diary series. In this soul-stirring episode, we've brought back our awesome Design Director, Michelle Menard, alongside our wonderful host, Steven, who are all dressed up for a Halloween-themed discussion about the hauntingly intriguing Improvements and Triumphs of Ara: History Untold!

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Michelle guides us through the vast array of Improvement types players will be able to construct. From essential resource harvesters to crafters and cultural enhancements, players have a multitude of options to customize and fine-tune their cities. Moreover, these Improvements can be upgraded or supplied with workers, allowing players to increase their output and enhance their city’s productivity.

We also got a look at some of the breath-taking Triumphs in Ara! These colossal structures not only stand out for their visual splendor but also provide substantial bonuses to your Nation and a hefty amount of Prestige on top! Spanning all of Human history, they're both awe-inspiring and incredibly advantageous, but you’ll need to act fast! Only one Nation can complete the Triumph, setting the stage for a race to claim it first. Who will secure it for their Nation? It's a thrilling pursuit with immense rewards at stake.



So, grab your favorite treats, hit play, and join Michelle and Steven on a mysterious quest through the Improvements and Triumphs of Ara: History Untold. It's a bone-chilling journey you won't want to miss! 🎮👻

Today the Ara: History Untold Team is partnering with Justin Robey a.k.a. @Robeytech to build and give away a custom Ara-themed PC!

Tune into the stream on Twitch at 4PM PDT and enter for a chance to win.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to ensure a vast game like Ara runs smoothly?

You're in for a behind-the-scenes treat as we dive into the latest episode of our Dev Diary series. This time, we’re covering the complex task of QA testing grand strategy games and sat down with QA Analyst Zai Jeffries to learn more about the world of playtesting.

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Zai gave us an exclusive look at the sheer scale of Ara and how testing is divided among the team. From sound design to ensuring citizens behave properly, there's a lot that goes into making sure each component runs smoothly.

We also learned external testing and player feedback are absolute game-changers in the development process. Zai emphasized how crucial it is to have fresh eyes on the game, pointing out issues and sharing their experiences. It's a critical part of what he calls the “golden path” of game development.



But it's not all serious business. Zai also shared some of the strange bugs he's encountered while playtesting. "Land Shark" is just one of the gems you won't want to miss! 🦈

If you're ready to take a journey through the world of QA testing in Ara: History Untold, head over to our YouTube channel, hit that subscribe button, and don't miss this inside look at the making of a grand strategy masterpiece!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2021880/Ara_History_Untold/