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GalCiv IV: Supernova Dev Journal #60 - Trade Routes & Diplomacy

We’ve recently released a large update to Galactic Civilizations: IV Supernova called v2.6 “ Reinforcements” , and for more information you can read the patch notes linked. This update focused mostly on bugfixes, balance, options to allow you to further customize the user-interface and some awesome new ship designs for the Terran Alliance and Terran Resistance, which we covered last week. This was one of the bigger patches we’ve released in a while and should improve the overall experie... [read more]

5/28/2024 By BATTLEMODE in GalCiv IV Dev Journals

WXYZ Detroit Interviews Stardock

Plymouth company's 'The Political Machine' game lets you run a presidential campaign By Sarah Michals PLYMOUTH, Mich. (WXYZ) — Plymouth-based software development and game company Stardock is launching a 2024 version of its computer game "The Political Machine." In the locally-made game, players are asked to stretch their political strategy muscles, playing as real-life presidential candidates vying for the White House. Game creators tell us that in past elections, t... [read more]

5/24/2024 By redskittlesonly in Political Machine News

Now Available: Galactic Civilizations IV v2.6 Reinforcements Update

Galactic Civilizations IV v2.6 Reinforcements Update Brings Visual Overhauls and Gameplay Enhancements The latest update for Galactic Civilizations IV, v2.6 Reinforcements, is now available, and it's packed with a host of changes aimed at enhancing both the visual appeal and gameplay mechanics of the game. Get GalCiv IV Now Visual Overhaul on Ships and New Ship Parts One of the most notable changes in update 2.6 is the major visual overhaul of the Terran Alliance a... [read more]

5/22/2024 By redskittlesonly in GalCiv News

Evolution of Sins II Pt. 1 - Top New Features

Deeper strategy, enhanced tactics, and an all-improved game experience... This is Sins of a Solar Empire II. Wishlist on Steam Now A Look Back at Sins: Rebellion The Sins of a Solar Empire series has long been a staple in the real-time strategy (RTS) genre, blending elements of 4X gameplay—explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate—into a seamless and engaging experience. The stand-alone expansion, Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, set a new benchmark with its intr... [read more]

5/22/2024 By redskittlesonly in Sins Dev Journals

GalCiv IV: Supernova Dev Journal #59 - New Terran Ships

There’s a new update incoming for Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova and with it we’ve got some really cool new ship models to show you for the two human civilizations in the game: the Terran Alliance and the Terran Resistance. Taking a quick peek at the Galactic Civilizations IV Metaverse game statistics page, the Terran Alliance and Terran Resistance are the most popular Core Civilizations in GalCiv4, although the AlienGPT custom civ system currently draws the most players of all! Eve... [read more]

5/21/2024 By BATTLEMODE in GalCiv IV Dev Journals

NOW OUT: The Presidential Pioneers v1.01 Update for The Political Machine 2024

The Presidential Pioneers v1.01 Update brings New Candidates, Mac Support, and Game Quality Improvements Today we released a significant update for their strategy game, The Political Machine 2024. This update introduces an array of past presidential candidates, extends compatibility to macOS, and implements various bug fixes and balance adjustments. Buy Now | View Changelog New Faces in the Political Arena The latest update enriches the game's roster with ... [read more]

5/16/2024 By redskittlesonly in Political Machine News

Sins II: Dev Journal 14 - A Post Mortem Playthrough Adventure

A number of fans have asked us about how Sins II plays, both from a new and returning user perspective. This past weekend, we played a 10-player dev FFA bout where I took the role of a TEC loyalist empire. Let’s walk through how things went! [NOTE: Please forgive the quality of these screen shots. For some reason my capture software messed up the brightness/contrast on all of them. I’ve adjusted them manually to be closer to the in-game experience.] As a TEC player, I start the game wit... [read more]

5/15/2024 By Yarlen in Sins Dev Journals

GalCiv IV: Supernova Dev Journal #58 - Doctrine: Targeting Priority

Since v2.5 “Ares” and the Warlords expansion were released, we’ve put out a short series of developer journals describing the new features added to the war system in Galactic Civilization IV: Supernova. Today we’ll look at the last component of the Doctrine system we’ve not covered yet, Targeting Priority. I’m aware that I’ve already indirectly discussed this feature three or four times over since the updates landed, as it’s a core component of the new Ship Class and Doctrine mechanics... [read more]

5/14/2024 By BATTLEMODE in GalCiv IV Dev Journals

Video Blog: History of Sins of a Solar Empire

Sins of a Solar Empire exploded onto the real-time strategy scene in 2008 and wowed genre enthusiasts with its seamless blend of RTS and 4X gameplay, amazing graphics and deep strategy. Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion is still well loved today with thriving modding and multiplayer scenes. Now, Ironclad Games and Stardock return with Sins of a Solar Empire II, a long awaited and much anticipated sequel to the hit series. With all new strategic and tactical gameplay elements, reworked mec... [read more]

5/8/2024 By redskittlesonly in Sins Dev Journals

GalCiv IV: Supernova Dev Journal #57 - Doctrine: Operational Abilities

As we’ve seen in the past couple of developer journals, Ship Classes in Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova consist of a Ship Type plus a Doctrine. I’ll summarise it again in case you didn’t read those. The Ship Type is a kind of model organised around its hull size and suggested combat role: for example, a Cruiser is a medium hull-sized Type and has an inherent bonus of +10% Weapon Range, as opposed to the Destroyer, the new medium hull-sized Type added in Warlords with its -10% Weapon ... [read more]

5/7/2024 By BATTLEMODE in GalCiv IV Dev Journals

Sins II: Dev Journal 13 - Gameplay Trailer Breakdown

We thought it might be helpful to point out some details in our gameplay trailer that illustrate some key differences between Sins 2, Sins: Rebellion, and other strategy games (especially of this scale). You can view the full video below: The Planner This scene shows how planets orbit and phase lanes change. The speed is accelerated to exaggerate the feature but it actually occurs very slowly giving players time to plan their defensive and offensive strategies. Planets close to t... [read more]

5/6/2024 By Blair Fraser in Sins Dev Journals

Create your own political strategy with The Political Machine 2024

PLYMOUTH, Mich. (FOX 2) - A Plymouth-based developer and publisher of games and desktop software just unveiled this year’s version of a political strategy game. "The Wall Street Journal pointed out in 2016 that only Stardock and FiveThirtyEight predicted Trump would win," said Chris Kowal. And 2024 is no exception. This iteration according to Erdman delivers one of the game’s most significant updates, including political action cards. . . read the entire article here. ... [read more]

5/3/2024 By wasabi_md in Political Machine News

Stardock Releases The Political Machine 2024

New political strategy game puts players in this year’s race for the White House Buy from Steam | Buy from Stardock Stardock Entertainment released The Political Machine 2024 , the newest edition of its popular political strategy game series today. The game allows players to step into the shoes of presidential candidates , including Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, Bill Clinton and countless other candidates from history, or create ... [read more]

5/2/2024 By redskittlesonly in Political Machine News

‘The Political Machine 2024’ is latest in long strategy lineage

by Lillian King PLYMOUTH, Mich. — If you’re not happy with this year’s election polls, turn to 2024’s The Political Machine . Out for PC on Thursday, this turn-based political strategy game from Plymouth, Mich.-based Stardock Corporation lets players choose from an array of bobbleheaded versions of real-life candidates before siccing them against each other in a duel for the presidency. “The presidential campaigns make for a perfect vid... [read more]

5/2/2024 By wasabi_md in Political Machine News

Real data backs Plymouth-made presidential campaign game

by Annalise Frank A video game created in Wayne County has had some success predicting outcomes of U.S. presidential elections, including seeing former President Trump as the winner in 2016, its makers say. The big picture: On Thursday, Stardock Entertainment, a 30-year-old game developer based in Plymouth, launches the 2024 election edition of The Political Machine . The company is known for strategy games , including Sins of a Solar Empire. How ... [read more]

5/2/2024 By wasabi_md in Political Machine News

Sins II: Dev Journal 12 - Advent Rising

For this blog post, I want to give our fans an update on what we’re working on for this summer. We recently announced that the Advent would be arriving for summer, but there’s a whole lot more that we have in store for everyone. I’ll start off with what everyone’s been clamoring for…. The Advent “The Advent , whose society is known collectively as “The Unity,” is a highly advanced pseudo-religious civilization that relies heavily on spiritualism, psychic prowess and cybernetic technolo... [read more]

5/1/2024 By Yarlen in Sins Dev Journals

Sins of a Solar Empire II to Release on Steam this Summer

Sequel to beloved strategy title features new asymmetric playstyles, dynamically changing maps, deeper tactical combat, expanded strategic depth, and more Wishlist Sins of a Solar Empire II on Steam The battle for galactic supremacy continues as Stardock and Ironclad Games will bring Sins of a Solar Empire II to Steam this Summer. Sins of a Solar Empire II seamlessly combines real-time strategy and 4X depth, delivering sprawling empires, huge tactical fleet battles, an... [read more]

5/1/2024 By redskittlesonly in Sins of a Solar Empire News

GalCiv IV: Supernova Dev Journal #56 - Ship Types

Ship Types are a way of classifying the base model hull that a Ship Class is built upon, and hold their own special bonus too. We took a look at Ship Classes last week , but today we’ll go through the various Ship Types available in Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova, including those added in the new Warlords expansion. While Colony Ships, Constructors and Miners are all technically Ship Types too, we’re just going to focus on combat vessels this time around. Ship Types can be organ... [read more]

4/30/2024 By BATTLEMODE in GalCiv IV Dev Journals

GalCiv IV: Supernova Dev Journal #55 - Ship Classes

Excluding more abstract notions of war (such as dominating the economy, culture flipping planets with Influence and so on), when the protagonists of Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova engage in kinetic warfare, there are two main theatres: planetary invasions and fleet battles, the latter of which we’re going to cover today by examining how we now approach ship design. The core of the new and improved fleet combat mechanics, added in v2.5, is the introduction of the Ship Class, replacin... [read more]

4/23/2024 By BATTLEMODE in GalCiv IV Dev Journals

NOW OUT: Warlords Expansion & v2.5 “Ares” Update for Galactic Civilizations IV

New Features Include: War Aims, Combat Doctrines, Invasion Tactics, New Ship Components, New Technologies, A New Battle Viewer and much more Get GalCiv IV Now | Warlords Expansion Stardock has released a major expansion pack for its popular space 4X game, Galactic Civilizations IV. Galactic Civilizations IV: Warlords adds a host of new features including War Aims, Combat Doctrines, Invasion Tactics, New Ship Components, New Technologies, a new Battle ... [read more]

4/18/2024 By redskittlesonly in GalCiv News

v2.5 & Warlords Expansion Guided Tour

v2.5 and the Warlords Expansion is now available, and we're excited to share the ins and outs. Check out my guided tour below: Our prior dev journal gave a preview of what to expect from the Warlords Expansion. This week’s dev journal is a guided tour what is new for both the v2.5 ‘Ares’ update and Warlords, including an improved tech tree, QOL improvements to in-game lighting, an upgraded battle viewer, and much, much, more… Updated Visuals We have adjusted lighting and added point li... [read more]

4/18/2024 By Frogboy in GalCiv IV Dev Journals

v2.5 'Ares' vs. Warlords Expansion Comparison Chart

Today we released the launch of the v2.5 'Ares' update and the Warlords Expansion. This release introduces a range of new features to enhance player experience. The v2.5 update offers a preview into the Warlords Expansion, with certain features available to all players and others exclusive to the expansion. For clarity on what's included in the v2.5 update versus what's exclusive to the Warlords Expansion, please refer to the chart below. Feature GalCiv IV ... [read more]

4/18/2024 By redskittlesonly in GalCiv IV Dev Journals

Quick thoughts on Warlords from the designer

I've been saying this a lot to design teams lately: There is no subsitute for playing the game and then playing the game some more and then playing it still more. And Warlords really shows that. Now, those of you who get it right away are in for a particular treat that you should take advantage of as much as you can while you can: There are a lot of absolutely crazy ship components in this that we have balanced as best we can but I can tell you right now, I there are going to be some... [read more]

4/17/2024 By Frogboy in GalCiv IV Dev Journals

GalCiv IV: Supernova Dev Journal #54 - Warlords Preview

Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova’s version 2.5 update drops on April 18th and will be accompanied by the release of our third DLC “Warlords”, an expansion focusing on improving the game's warfare systems. v2.5 brings in a lot of changes to space combat and invasions, and the way warfare is carried out in general, and Warlords opens up a lot more content in each one of these systems, adding many exciting new ship components to wreck your enemies with! Today we’re going to take a ver... [read more]

4/9/2024 By BATTLEMODE in GalCiv IV Dev Journals

GalCiv IV: Supernova Dev Journal #53 - Abilities & the Intueri

Each civilization in Galactic Civilization’s IV: Supernova is constructed from a set of building blocks, either predefined and later edited by a player, as with our Core Civilizations, or selected by the player when making a custom civ. Biology, Citizen species, Cultural Focus, their starting Planet Type, Commander Ships and more are all selected to craft a specific playstyle for the civilization. The two cornerstone mechanical building blocks of this system, which most strongly inform the w... [read more]

4/2/2024 By BATTLEMODE in GalCiv IV Dev Journals

Crains Detroit Business Interviews Stardock

'We're the most famous company you've never heard of': A conversation with Michigan's oldest video game developer By Anna Fifelski Brad Wardell, 52, founded Stardock Corp. in 1991 as an undergraduate student at Western Michigan University. Decades later, it is the largest software and video game development company in Michigan. Later this year, Stardock will release the fourth version of its simulation game, The Political Machine, as well as an expansion for Galactic C... [read more]

3/26/2024 By redskittlesonly in Stardock Entertainment Announcements

GalCiv IV: Supernova Dev Journal #52 - Moving People

In our recent update version 2.4 Populi we initiated some big changes to the way Citizens are generated and handled in the AlienGPT system, which we detailed in last week’s developer journal . This time around we’re going to look at another important feature added in Populi, the ability to move your population around your vast and sprawling civilization using an all new Citizen Transport system, and some ideas that you can use as a base for your own strategies surrounding Citizens. Be... [read more]

3/26/2024 By BATTLEMODE in GalCiv IV Dev Journals

Empires and Intrigues Update - Sins of a Solar Empire II

Sins of a Solar Empire II: Empires and Intrigues Update In a significant update that promises to reshape the strategic landscape of Sins of a Solar Empire II, developers have introduced a slew of enhancements and new features aimed at enriching the player experience. The March update focuses on expanding gameplay dynamics through the introduction of a new Minor Faction and Influence system, an updated Research system, and much more, including support for up to 10 players and addition of ... [read more]

3/21/2024 By redskittlesonly in Sins of a Solar Empire News

GalCiv IV: Supernova Dev Journal #51 - Citizens in AlienGPT

Last week, Frogboy introduced Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova v2.4 update named Populi and gave a very brief overview of its features. Today, I thought I’d expand a little on how it works and showcase a few more examples. In summary, AlienGPT will now generate the name and description for your Citizens to match the custom civilization details it produces for you. It’ll then select an appropriate Citizen portrait to give a face to your people, with the number of Citizen types expanded to... [read more]

3/19/2024 By BATTLEMODE in GalCiv IV Dev Journals

Get Up to 80% Off Stardock Titles on Games and Software

The Steam Spring Sale is Here - Get Up to 80% Off* STEAM KEYS ARE PROVIDED WITH PURCHASE FEATURED TITLES ON SALE: Galactic Civilizations IV $49.99 Now $39.99 PRE-PURCHASE BONUS: The Political Machine 2024 Free DLC w/Pre-Order $19.99 Star Control: Origins $29.99 Now $8.99 Galactic Civilizations III ( Includes FREE: Crusade and Retribution Expansions, Mega Events DLC)... [read more]

3/14/2024 By redskittlesonly in Stardock Entertainment Announcements

v2.4 Populi Tour for GalCiv IV: Supernova

AlienGPT Citizens The Create Civilization screen has gotten a major uplift. More space for your description and AlienGPT will pick your citizens, personality, citizen description, and more. A few examples: And yes It’s a very complex, cutting edge setup that we’re still working some kinks out of as these large language models have a mind of their own. Galactic News Network Upgrade The GNN Report has been move dover to the status screen on the right so that it does... [read more]

3/12/2024 By Frogboy in GalCiv IV Dev Journals

v2.4 “Populi” Update Now Available for Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova

Major Features: Custom Citizen Races via AlienGPT , Core World Travel for Citizens Our latest major update for Galactic Civilizations IV v2.4, dubbed the "Populi” update introduces custom Citizen Races, Citizen transportation, UI upgrades, and improves language support. We have listened intently to community feedback and the v2.4 “Populi” update includes our most requested feature for AlienGPT, custom generate... [read more]

3/12/2024 By redskittlesonly in GalCiv News

GalCiv IV: Supernova Dev Journal #50 - Terran Tactics

The Terran Alliance have had a tough time in the Galactic Civilizations universe: with the optimism, and some might say naivety, of a new species discovering they were not alone in the galaxy for the very first time, mankind shared their advanced technology “Hyperdrive” with the Arceans. Those precious plans were stolen by Drengin spies and from there, this advanced technology for rapid space travel was sold, hacked or otherwise disseminated to the other races out across the Centauron sector, a... [read more]

3/12/2024 By BATTLEMODE in GalCiv IV Dev Journals

GalCiv IV: Supernova Dev Journal #49 - Children of Altaria

In the last developer journal we took a look at the Drath Freehold, a race of ancient dragon-like creatures forcibly removed from their ancient homeworld of Altaria by the Mithrilar, only to be replaced by another new civilization who became known as the Altarians. These philosophically minded blue skinned humanoids bear an uncanny resemblance to the humans of the Terran Alliance and Terran Resistance, and there’s more to their past than meets the eye! Like several of the other civilizati... [read more]

3/5/2024 By BATTLEMODE in GalCiv IV Dev Journals

Community Challenge Unveiled: "Flight of the Phalenoids" for GalCiv IV: Supernova

In an exciting turn of events for the Galactic Civilizations IV community, a new challenge has been launched that promises to test the mettle of both novice and veteran players alike. Dubbed "Flight of the Phalenoids," this scenario sets the stage for an epic struggle for survival, with players taking the helm of the Phalenoid civilization to stave off impending doom. Join the Challenge The "Flight of the Phalenoids" community challenge offers a rich tapestry of strategic p... [read more]

2/27/2024 By redskittlesonly in GalCiv News

Sins II: Dev Journal 11 - The TEC Rebel Ragnarov Titan

We finish up our look at TEC warships with the Rebel’s Ragnarov-class titan. The Ragnarov truly embodies the hostile philosophy of the Rebel faction with its numerous weapon points and built-in rail gun. Even without upgrades, the Ragnarov is a fearsome weapon of war. Making up the bulk of the ship is its integrated gun which can inflict widespread damage. On top of that, the Ragnarov features multiple heavy gauss cannons and autocannons. Initial armament: 12 x Gauss Cannon Turret... [read more]

2/22/2024 By Yarlen in Sins Dev Journals

Steam Playtest Now Available for The Political Machine 2024

Pre-order Customers can now Participate in the Steam Playtest Pre-Order Now Pre-Order Customers; Get into the Playtest Stardock announced that the latest iteration of its hit political strategy series, The Political Machine 2024 entered its playtest phase today. The g ame, which allows players to simulate a run for the American presidency, features an updated roster of politicians and introduces new gameplay mechanics that reflect the ever-evolving land... [read more]

2/21/2024 By redskittlesonly in Political Machine News

GalCiv IV: Supernova Dev Journal #48 - Survivors of Elemental

The Drath are an ancient species in the Galactic Civilizations universe, and alongside the Altarians, a long hated rival, they evolved on the planet of Altaria a long, long time ago. Strange rumours and whispered legends amongst both the Altarians and the Drath hint that Altaria may have once been known by another name, but if the lore-masters of each race know more, they’re not letting on. Unceremoniously exiled from their homeworld in millennia past by a strength far beyond theirs, the ... [read more]

2/21/2024 By BATTLEMODE in GalCiv IV Dev Journals

GalCiv IV: Supernova Dev Journal #47 - The Exiles of Iconia

The history of the Galactic Civilizations universe is replete with tragedy, and the desperate Iconians are no exception. After spending their lives in service to a Precursor race known as the Arnor and creating themselves synthetic servants called the Yor to further their aims, an Arnor splinter faction called the Dread Lords gave the Yor sentience and set them on the Iconians in an epic act of spite, driving them off their beautiful homeworld of Iconia. As the events of Galactic Civil... [read more]

2/20/2024 By BATTLEMODE in GalCiv IV Dev Journals

Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova - v2.31 Stability and Enhancement Update

Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova v2.31 The Stability and Enhancement Update Full Changelog | Get GalCiv IV: Supernova We're excited to share with you the details of our latest update, v2.31. While this update doesn't introduce new features, it focuses on enhancing your gameplay experience through a series of important bug fixes, stability improvements, and performance tweaks. Core Improvements: Ship movement in battles has ... [read more]

2/15/2024 By BATTLEMODE in GalCiv News

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