http://www.civfanatics.com/images/civ4/civchronbox200.jpg (http://www.civfanatics.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=1070)2K Games and Firaxis Games yesterday announced (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6157268.html?tag=latestnews;title;2) Sid Meier's Civilization Chronicles, a huge compilation that includes all four games and five of six expansion packs in the Civilization series:

Civilization I
Civilization II, Civ II: Fantastic Worlds, Civ II: Conflicts in Civilization, Civ II: Test of Time
Civilization III, Civ III: Play the World, Civ III: Conquests
Civilization IV
Civilization: The Card Game, an original tabletop card game designed by Soren Johnson, featuring more than 250 custom cards and rules based on Civilization IV.
The Chronicles of Civilization: A 96-page book containing the history of Civilization, as told through interviews with past Civilization designers, an interview with Sid Meier and lead designer Soren Johnson, an article by journalist and author Steven L. Kent on the significance of the series in the computer gaming industry, and other original literature.
Video DVD: Includes a presentation by lead designer Soren Johnson and artist Dorian Newcomb about the creation of Civilization IV, complemented by gameplay footage of every iteration of the game, game trailers from the Civilization series and more.
Printed tech tree posters from each game, wallpaper images, podcast MP3s, and more.
The only item not included in the box set is the Civ4 Warlords expansion pack. The compilation will be released for the PC this October and the suggested retail price is $69.99.

EDIT (9/30/06): Civilization Chronicles is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com.

AARRGGGHHH!!! I need this but im broke :cry:

I knew it would cost a pretty penny. As for the older versions of Civ (Civ2 & Civ1), did they made sure to have it workable in Windows XP and future OSes?

I knew it would cost a pretty penny. As for the older versions of Civ (Civ2 & Civ1), did they made sure to have it workable in Windows XP and future OSes?

$69:99 isn't so bad when you consider it comes with Civ4 and some fairly hard to find games (outside of the internet).

Though the making it workable in XP would also affect my buying this - didn't the Total War series get rerealesed recently to make sure it was all fully workable?

Uh no! Just another Civ thing that is a must have. But I've bought all this stuff one by one before.

What should I do? Help! :help:

Uh no! Just another Civ thing that is a must have. But I've bought all this stuff one by one before.

What should I do? Help! :help:

sell plasma, sell labor, sell kidneys, sell hair, sell sex, sell soul

That's quite a good deal to tell the truth.

40$ For Civ4, 20$ For the Civ3 stuff, and 10$ for the other stuff. That's crazy low.

Too bad I have all 4 games, so I don't need this. :p

That's quite a good deal to tell the truth.

40$ For Civ4, 20$ For the Civ3 stuff, and 10$ for the other stuff. That's crazy low.

Too bad I have all 4 games, so I don't need this. :p
Perhaps this package is more for the people who have not played the Civ Series.

If only it had SMAX aswell...

For the two games that I don't have (Civ 2 and Civ 1), Chronicles isn't worth the money.

You all are forgeting that is also comes with a book, a dvd, and a card game. Sounds like a great deal to me.

If i hadnt already bought civ3 and civ4 i might consider it, but thats probabaly looking at $150 in New Zealand maybe a little much.

I want it too -- will wait for the AUD price and start saving. Yeah, it would have been great to get SMAC/X included, and I bet that Brian Reynolds doesn't feature in the 'making of' DVD!

Seems a bit odd not including Warlords don't you think?

They don't want to slow down the sales of Warlords, though I would be hesitant about buying this since there's going to be at least one more expansion pack for civ4.

No Warlords?

Er..right...

I'm gonna wait for the second Chronicles pack. :)

I don't have civ IV yet, and would buy a civ IV compilation or this product. As always, wait for a review of the Chronicles.

Man, I posted this first in the civ4 forum, nuts.

I already have III and IV, so there is no way I would pay $70 for Civ I and Civ II, a card game and some posters.

How about including:
CivNet (in addition to, or instead of Civ 1), Call To Power I & II, Alpha Centauri, Warlords :D

and why not Master of Orion I and II? (Microprose)

I used to play Civ2 and if I won the Space Race I'd start up a game of MOO2 and name my Galactic empire after my Civ2 empire :D

I'd like to get my hands on the civ cardgame as a stand alone product. :)

I already own 3 & 4 so I won't buy this for the games. The bonus material could be interesting but the price is too high if you already own most of the games (especially if the bonus material sucks...).

I'd like to get my hands on the civ cardgame as a stand alone product. :)

The card game does sound somewhat interesting. I would love to see what it's like.

I bet the Praetorian card is way overpowered... :mischief:

I knew it would cost a pretty penny. As for the older versions of Civ (Civ2 & Civ1), did they made sure to have it workable in Windows XP and future OSes?

I doubt that Firaxis would take the time and effort to recode the earlier Civs to make them compatible with XP. However, XP does a pretty good job of emulation on many old games.

Here's a link that explains how to do it:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/games/expert/durham_og.mspx

And yes, I'm going to buy Chronicles. My CivI is on floppies and they're long past being readable.

I won't get it as I have all 4 (Civ I on floppies, maybe II as well). But neither will run in XP well. But it does sound like a pretty cool pack for those that don't have the older games.

this is a farce and nothing but a money grab tactic imo. i won't buy it.

fix some of the hard coded stuff in civ3 and i'd give it a whirl. but that kind of scratch for a friggin' card game?! aren't they software engineers btw? it's all pathetic actually...

Do they not want us to sleep?! :eek:

I love card games!!!!! MUST HAVE!!!

But to pay 70$ for a card game (already having the 4 civs)... would it some as a stand-alone prod? would be cool! I have the board game (the old version), and its so complicated I dont even understand the basics.... would love to see a card game of it!

this is a farce and nothing but a money grab tactic imo. i won't buy it.

fix some of the hard coded stuff in civ3 and i'd give it a whirl. but that kind of scratch for a friggin' card game?! aren't they software engineers btw? it's all pathetic actually...
Im with you. I call this thing a little fan boy kit that none of them should go with out. Its even complete with a card game a Dvd with the hero Soreen Johnson talking tales of Civ4 greatness

If thats not enough, you can hear him brag about Civ4 on a pod cast and read more in a book that goes on about his bogus accomplishments making Civ4 .70 bucks? Right on!! :lol:

I can totally see this being a great deal if you don't own any civilization games.

Do they not want us to sleep?! :eek:
I Guess not :p

no warlords??

i probly wont get it... after thinking about it, i doubt ill ever play civ 1 or 2 at all.. civ 3 maby once and a while..

wow, this sounds great. I just moved out to go to university, and this is basicly perfect.

Im with you. I call this thing a little fan boy kit that none of them should go with out. Its even complete with a card game a Dvd with the hero Soreen Johnson talking tales of Civ4 greatness

If thats not enough, you can hear him brag about Civ4 on a pod cast and read more in a book that goes on about his bogus accomplishments making Civ4 .70 bucks? Right on!! :lol:
nice dude :D especially the "little fan boy kit" part. vingrjoe would like that one :cool:

I just want the DVD-Video, the book and Civ 1. I have all the other stuff. I doubt i'll buy it.

I have all the versions of civ plus all expansion packs, but i still want this!!!

Why?

I tell you why: It all started when i was a little boy playing civI without knowing anything about it or even without understanding a word in the game (I was 6 most dutch do read english when they are 6) 4 years later I would buy my first Civ game: The ultimate CivII classic collection. I even plunderd my savings for it (by this time i could read english so civ became alot better)

years later I've collected every possible Civ game there is but is still want the Civilization Chronicles.

BECAUSE I'M A CIV-ADICT, and i can't help it.

(but will the Civilization Chronicles be buyable in Europe or do i need to steal a credit card to buy it in the USA)

Okay, lemme answer some of the questions here:

I want it too -- will wait for the AUD price and start saving. Yeah, it would have been great to get SMAC/X included, and I bet that Brian Reynolds doesn't feature in the 'making of' DVD!

Brian was interviewed for the "Chronicles of Civilization" article about the history of the series that's in the book. We've also got a full interview with him that we'll be posting online soon.

How about including:
CivNet (in addition to, or instead of Civ 1), Call To Power I & II, Alpha Centauri, Warlords :D

and why not Master of Orion I and II? (Microprose)

I used to play Civ2 and if I won the Space Race I'd start up a game of MOO2 and name my Galactic empire after my Civ2 empire :D

We opted not to include CivNet, since it's a somewhat controversial product. If you want it, you can still find it on eBay.

Everything else other than Warlords, we don't own the rights to (plus Call to Power was completely separate from Microprose/Sid anyway). If you really want to do a post-space race game, load up Test of Time and do the extended game.

Warlords is not included because it was just released.

I doubt that Firaxis would take the time and effort to recode the earlier Civs to make them compatible with XP. However, XP does a pretty good job of emulation on many old games.

No recoding was needed. Civ for Windows works on XP. We ran compatibility testing, and the only issues we encountered were with Civ 2 and Windows 2000 (and we've got a workaround for that).

I already own 3 & 4 so I won't buy this for the games. The bonus material could be interesting but the price is too high if you already own most of the games (especially if the bonus material sucks...).

The bonus material doesn't suck. I promise. :)

I'm guessing that rules out any SMAX re-release then :(

i would buy if it came with warlords and i didn't already have civ 3 or civ 4, but i have both. i think that the card game would be kinda cool and i wouldn't mind a whack at civ 1 and 2 (i played civ 2 a little, but not civ 1) and i think that the dvd sounds like a nice feature

I'm only buying it if they include a "no city razing" option for CIV III.

If I ever get around to buying a new computer so that I can play Civ IV, this may have come down in price enough so that I can justify buying it to get Civ IV and get some nice extras. It's a nice looking package, but I have the "Collector's Tin" of Civ III and it is in my closet somewhere never to be seen.

Is Civ2:Multiplayer Gold included in Test of Time? I'll definitely consider this, as I don't have the Civ2 expansions or the card game. Civ4 I'll have to mothball until I get a better computer.

I wish they had a compilation like that at the same time Civ4 was released. It would have been an absolute must buy for any civ fans.

The $69.99 price tag is very reasonable for all those stuff though.

Is Civ2:Multiplayer Gold included in Test of Time? I'll definitely consider this, as I don't have the Civ2 expansions or the card game. Civ4 I'll have to mothball until I get a better computer.
hmm... Civ2 MGE is not in the list, but they really should replace the vanilla original Civ2 version on the list with it. Most of the Civ2 scenarios in the Downloads section require Civ2 MGE to play. The MGE version includes the two Civ2 expansion packs I believe.

The version that's in there is not MGE (although we do keep Civ 2 and ToT separate, so we're not forcing one or the other on people). But you can download a patch to make it compatible with the scenarios:

http://www.civfanatics.com/civ2/downloads/cedric/

Pluses:
- I lost my CIV1 (it wasn't me, it wasn't me: my mother didn't realize the IMPORTANCE of the game of my life!!!)
- I only played CIV2 in other's computers (didn't like the Window mode as it lacked immersion, the main feature of a Civ game to me)
- I only have Conquests of III (a colleague gave me it's copy and Portugal was a must have)
- I have Civ4 and Warlords.

- I don't have the card game (duh)
- I don't have the book
- I don't have the DVD and if I saw the LOTR extras several times (yes, the long versions of all of them), I seem to be a target to that DVD.
- I don't have the neat box

Is this optionable? :p

Any chance of this thing containing the full source code for the earlier games?

Remember the Civ2 source code petition here (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=88765) and at Apolyton (http://www.apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=132525)? I'm thinking specifically of Test of Time and perhaps Civ1. That would make this box totally awesome and a must-buy even for those who already own most of these games.

If not... meh... I already have Civ1 and Civ2. I don't want Civ3, my computer is too old for Civ4, I don't care for card games and I want to play games, not look at videos of other geeks talking about games.

Oh, but um, which version of Civ1 will be included? The original DOS or "Civilization for Windows" version? And will all games come with their manuals or will they just be PDFs?

The version that's in there is not MGE (although we do keep Civ 2 and ToT separate, so we're not forcing one or the other on people). But you can download a patch to make it compatible with the scenarios:

http://www.civfanatics.com/civ2/downloads/cedric/

Oh really? You don't have any problems with that patch? I guess I have to drop my objections to it then as it being piracy if even people at 2K Games think it's okay.

Mercator:

Funny story. We don't actually have the source code to the first two games, so we can't release it.

The Civ franchise changed hands a lot of times (Microprose to Hasbro, Hasbro to Infogrames/Atari, then to us), and if the source code was ever involved in any of those transactions, it never made its way to us. So even if we could release the source code (and I'm not sure we ever could), we don't have it to release anyway.

The good news is that Civ for Windows (not DOS) works great on XP, as do all the other games. If they didn't, we wouldn't be able to put out this collection.

Funny story. We don't actually have the source code to the first two games, so we can't release it.

Ah, shame... The changing hands certainly didn't help. But thanks for the info.

The good news is that Civ for Windows (not DOS) works great on XP, as do all the other games. If they didn't, we wouldn't be able to put out this collection.

Hmmm, yes, without the source it'd be hard to make the old things work on newer systems. Too bad though, I prefer Civ1 for DOS.

Mercator:

Funny story. We don't actually have the source code to the first two games, so we can't release it.

The Civ franchise changed hands a lot of times (Microprose to Hasbro, Hasbro to Infogrames/Atari, then to us), and if the source code was ever involved in any of those transactions, it never made its way to us. So even if we could release the source code (and I'm not sure we ever could), we don't have it to release anyway.

The good news is that Civ for Windows (not DOS) works great on XP, as do all the other games. If they didn't, we wouldn't be able to put out this collection.

What about 3? That could greatly help your sales and the modding community.

I'd rather bye new titles versions instead of old. As much as I was enchanted by civ1, I think it suck today, compared by newer versions. I also think its very peculiar that they left out warlords? - so much for a complete package...

Id rather pay for a complete patch fixing the rest of the bugs ;-)

I'd rather bye new titles versions instead of old. As much as I was enchanted by civ1, I think it suck today, compared by newer versions. I also think its very peculiar that they left out warlords? - so much for a complete package...

Id rather pay for a complete patch fixing the rest of the bugs ;-)
Older games have a quality to them. I find myself wanting to play Civ II and Civ III right now, even having Civ IV.

Plus it makes sense not to include Warlords. They'd be fools to.

2K jason, are there any fixes for Civ 3 in the new release ??

Edited: Meant are especially fixes that were not done with the last (beta-) patch for C3C.

I'm with El Justo on this. It's just milking the cash cow some more. As I stated before, I would gladly shell out the cash for a release with Civ3 fixes, and a more powerful editor. I agree, it's nothing more than greed packaged in a fanboy starter kit.

Fix Civ3's bugs, and put the editor on steroids !

2K jason, are there any fixes for Civ 3 in the new release ??

Well, we're waiting for a reply. However, I'm guessing it's a no. Money trumps passion for one's work with regards to the beancounters at these video game companies.

I would guess that the new release is mainly aimed at two groups: people who have never got round to playing civ in the past, and completists. Though accepting that there might be quite a few of the second group on this forum I think that Civinator's question will be pretty critical to a lot of us:

2K jason, are there any fixes for Civ 3 in the new release ??

If so then I'd consider a purchase, if not then it's very unlikely for me at least.

Of course if you release the source code for Civ 3 then you're guaranteed sales :D.

:drool:

Sweet! I must have this! (good thing I can drive too)

Start eating less food to save money! :D

Hello 2K_Jason,

I am assuming they are bringing back Best of the Net scenarios in these versions too...this would be such a treat to see on disk. It is always nice to show other players what is possible and what Civ is capable of no matter what version is played...

Cheers,

CivPartisan

2K jason, are there any fixes for Civ 3 in the new release ??

It´s a pitty, that we didn´t get any answer on this question. I think FIRAXIS/Take Two would be well advised, if they would still support both games, Civ IV and Civ 3. They could sell a lot more. :mischief:

Notice how 2k Jason seemed to disappear from radar when hit with the Civ3 fix questions.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to grill the guy, however, I want to remind Firaxis that they abandonned Civ3 without fixing bugs. Also, they should realize that there is still a good Civ3 base, and fixing the bugs, and beefing up the editor would be good for them and the fans.

Hello Good People,

As much as you probably don't want to hear it, Civ III is a game that appeared on the scene in 2001--that was 5 years ago! Since people generally expect a new version of software to come out every two years that puts servicing this program 2 1/2 times more difficult.

You might say, well this game is still for sale...and I say true, but how much of that is overstock. I don't know of many titles that are still supported from 5 years ago by any software manufacturer. Firaxis has done a fantastic job at making things available and staying current on games...(by the way, they do make other games).

But do I think it should still be supported? Absolutely! But I also think CivDOS, the original Civilization game from 1991 should still be supported, which probably classifies me as a nut. Heck, I still use DOS, Windows 3.1 and Linux and I still use old computers just for fun--so yes, I am a nut.

Once again as much as we all probably don't want to hear it...all good things come to an end...but I say ONLY if we let it.

Keep nagging...maybe we'll get a patch out of it. That's how we got Civ III in the first place. There is something to be said for the art of begging.

CivPartisan

It´s a pitty, that we didn´t get any answer on this question. I think FIRAXIS/Take Two would be well advised, if they would still support both games, Civ IV and Civ 3. They could sell a lot more. :mischief:

Civinator - I think you scared off Jason with your bold typeface :D. And yes, if I knew that Civ 4 would be properly patched even if Firaxis were in the process of writing Civ 5, then I would be more likely to buy Civ 4.

@ Civpartisan - I think that the people who are begging for a new patch for Civ 3 are the people who are involved in modding. If Firaxis wanted to show it's commitment to the gaming public then an updated Civ 3 editor would be a good place to start.

Civinator - I think you scared off Jason with your bold typeface :D.

I needed the bold typeface because this is a bold question :D

Hey Keroro,

Your right...we should be focused on a better editor for Civ III...this is something that needs to be done and has been a major need for some time now...I am officially begging now.

@Civinator...you keep up with the bold face...sometimes you have to shout to get what you want.

Where did you come up with the screen name, Civinator...again...that is way cool...

CivPartisan

Where did you come up with the screen name, Civinator...again...that is way cool...

This was a thing of seconds as my real nick name Blue Lion is blocked at CFC.
But I think we should concentrate this thread on an improved version of Civ 3, erm.. these "Sid Meier's Civilization Chronicles".

Does anyone know if this will come out in the U.K? Or will i have to wait till June to go to the U.S.A.

It is a shame that 2k Jason didn't respond to the question about fixes for Civ III. We all have things we'd like the editor to be able to do in addition to what it does now, but here's my list:

Have more than 31 civs available at the start-up screen - this doesn't necessarily mean that there needs to be more than 31 civs in an actual game, purely that the "pool" of civs the game selects the players for a game from is increased.
Increase the number of culture groups - around 10-12 would be a good number.
Maybe add a couple of new traits (for example "mobile" allowing civs to ignore terrain movement costs).
Add some more options for building/wonder effects in the editor - for example, a couple more "replaces building with this flag checked" options.
Have different buildings for affecting different types of units - i.e. having a stable that would create veteran horseback units, an archery range for veteran archers and so forth.
Take a hint from Civ IV (and Civ II for that matter!!) and build in the facility to have more than one choice of leader for each civ.

Ah well, we know it's not going to happen, but what a shame!! I don't know about anyone else, but I'd definately buy a new expansion or version of Civ III if it had updates covering at least some of the above!!

Hey everyone, I just saw 2k Jason's picture on my milk carton while I was eating breakfast this morning. I guess he's missing.

Notice how 2k Jason seemed to disappear from radar when hit with the Civ3 fix questions.

No, it was more an issue of Railroads hitting crunch time. No conspiracy.

Also I never got an e-mail about thread replies until today, so I didn't even know this was still active.

To answer your question: this is the exact same release as Civ 3 complete, so no, there are no fixes.

BTW, at the very last second we swapped out the individual expansion packs in favor of using Civ II Multiplayer Gold, so the fan patch won't be necessary to play mods!

Jason, thank you for answering the question about fixes in spite of the fact that alot of us won't like the answer.

But sadly, it confirms Chronicles is just another money grab.

Hey Sid and Firaxis(or whomever is behind Chronicles), how much money is enough for you guys ?

Jason, thank you for answering the question about fixes in spite of the fact that alot of us won't like the answer.

But sadly, it confirms Chronicles is just another money grab.

Hey Sid and Firaxis(or whomever is behind Chronicles), how much money is enough for you guys ?

Since Firaxis is a subsidiary of 2K/Take-Two, yes, I guess you could say that the motivation behind this product is to make money. But then, what else would it be? Of course we want to make money off the project.

With that in mind, I will say that I'm very proud of this product. Whatever you think the motivations behind its genesis are, I think we've put together a hell of a collection -- the best of its kind, if I do say so myself.

If you're not interested in it, that's fine...but understand that we think this is more than just a shovelware re-release of old material we found sitting on a dusty shelf. All I can say is that if you're a fan (and if you visit this site you must be), it's worth taking a look at.

I'm sure you weren't the one responsible for the decision to not include any more patches or even a better editor for Civ3. So don't take my rant too hard, but Firaxis abandonned Civ3, leaving several unresolved bugs.

Everything these days is about the money. But it should also be about passion for your work, and wanting to put out a polished product. So how about justifying it with fixes and more editor options ? No, Firaxs/Take2's answer is to throw in some gimick items (card game, book, DVD, poster) that will do no more than to serve as a dust magnet on someone's shelf, and ultimately to be thrown away or sold at a garage sale.

If I want Civ 1 or 2, I will buy it cheap off ebay.

I will give you this, you were honest in your answers, and you didn't give any misconceptions. You told us flatly there will be no patches nor an improved editor (assuming this from a lack of reference to the editor) for Civ3.

So the bottom line is this; No patches for Civ3, No improved editor, and it's all about making more money.

Yep, it's a shame. I really think that Civ III - which is still played and loved by many, many fans - still has more potential. If you were to re-think and have an expansion pack - concentrating on changes to the editor - why not let us fans do the artwork for you - I'm sure it would sell as well (if not better) than a new expansion pack for Civ IV. Great for us as fans and economically viable for yourselves as a business.

The chances of a new Firaxis expansion pack for Civ 3 are virtually nill. They have moved on to creating new content for Civ IV. Outside of MMOs, I can't think of any game where an official expansion pack has been created for a product after its sequel has been released.

Rather than ask for that, it might be more constructive to lobby for the release of the Civ 3 source code. I can't say that will ever happen (to my knowledge, Take-Two has never done something like that), but the chances of that are significantly greater than further patches to the game.

vingrjoe, please remove my quote from your signature. I've been posting here because I like the site and the community. Please don't throw that back in my face.

Ah well, whilst I knew that would be the answer, I had to try ;) !! Just out of interest, if you take a look at these forums, you'll see that many more people are in the Civ III C&C forum than the Civ IV one - this is a regular thing - and must be notable as it's a year since Civ IV came out.

Hopefully, we'll get the source code or something in the future!

The chances of a new Firaxis expansion pack for Civ 3 are virtually nill. They have moved on to creating new content for Civ IV. Outside of MMOs, I can't think of any game where an official expansion pack has been created for a product after its sequel has been released.

Rather than ask for that, it might be more constructive to lobby for the release of the Civ 3 source code. I can't say that will ever happen (to my knowledge, Take-Two has never done something like that), but the chances of that are significantly greater than further patches to the game.

vingrjoe, please remove my quote from your signature. I've been posting here because I like the site and the community. Please don't throw that back in my face.


2K_Jason, don't take this the wrong way, but I am really surprised that someone from Take-Two would be allowed to comment on products like you have.
I don't mean to sound cynical, but statements like you have made are exceedingly rare for an employee of Firaxis or Take-Two to make on this website.
If you really do work for Take-Two, I thank you for your honesty and finally putting to bed the possibility of another release of Civ III.
Can you confirm that Take-Two actually owns the source code for Civ III, and it has not been lost in some old server sitting unplugged in a damp corporate basement?

I know there have been attempts about lobbying for code before, but if Take-Two has no future plans with it, I would be very interested in discussing the future of that code with whomever controls it.

2K_Jason, don't take this the wrong way, but I am really surprised that someone from Take-Two would be allowed to comment on products like you have.

Yes, well I'm hardly doing this in any official capacity. Mostly I just lurk here.

Can you confirm that Take-Two actually owns the source code for Civ III, and it has not been lost in some old server sitting unplugged in a damp corporate basement?

I can't say that with 100% certainty, but I'm pretty sure the code does exist in some form, somewhere.

I know there have been attempts about lobbying for code before, but if Take-Two has no future plans with it, I would be very interested in discussing the future of that code with whomever controls it.

In the immediate future it probably isn't feasible. There are all kinds of issues involved with releasing the code...the game uses licensed SDKs which can't be included, etc, so I don't want to get anyone's hopes up. But like I said, it's more of a possibility than any expansions for Civ 3.

In the immediate future it probably isn't feasible. There are all kinds of issues involved with releasing the code...the game uses licensed SDKs which can't be included, etc, so I don't want to get anyone's hopes up. But like I said, it's more of a possibility than any expansions for Civ 3.

Thanks for the honesty and clarity, 2K_Jason.
If you have been lurking for awhile, I am sure you and your employer have seen the level of dissatisfaction with Civ IV for a unknown, but vocal, percentage of the Civ community.

We have been clutching at that faint, albeit, irrational hope of something being done with Civ III to keep us happy.
Guess that hope is dashed, and we will have to move accept CIV III with its flaws, or somebody wins the lottery and buys the source code and all the necessary licenses that would be needed as well.

Hello 2K_jason, thank you for answering my question.

It´s a pity, that no one at Firaxis/Take Two realizes, how bad Civ 4 is in reality. The gameplay is boring and especially the graphic engine is a big obstacle for modders. As you say you are a lurker here (which is good), you could confirm, that here are a lot of people, who think the same.

Of course you shall make money and must make money - like we all to survive (or better)- but Firaxis has left the Civ 3-community with an unfinished product and this is not good. Blizzard made it´s last patch for Starcraft this year (2006) and if I remember well, this game is from 1998. This is good support for the customers and this is one of the reasons why Blizzard is the number one.

As I have bought all Civ-softwareproducts since Civ 1, I have all software that is offered in that compilation and I don´t need a cardgame. So why should I buy this product? We can both live with the fact, that I don´t buy this product under these circumstances. But it´s worse. It seems that Firaxis/Take Two focus their future releases on little children and forget their older customers. But most of the older customers did pay for their products...

2K_jason,

Thank you for taking the time and weathering the storm to be honest with us here. It means something to be honest when you know it will go over like a lead balloon.

That said, I too am disappointed in the complete abandonment of Civ3. I own Civ4. But it is hardly the same game. With out flaming, lets just say that Civ4 is not the ideal version for alot of Civ3 fans. I own both, and spent a fair bit of time playing Civ4 before going back to Civ3.

But, there are 1000's of Civ3 fans still out there. We would love to have the source code to Civ3. Many of us can program. But as you said, take Firaxis/2K/Take-Two has never released source code and naturally money talks (not just to Firaxis but to any business) why not float a limited expansion to Civ3 for purchase via download only? Perhaps just a more robust editor (maybe with source) and/or maybe a few minor updates and or bug fixes. Call it a modders's update or anything you want. Content could be scarce, and I know several hundred or more of us would guarentee purchase of it. Expand the content even slightly... perhaps enable a few more culture groups, a larger pool of civilizations to choose from (not more available in game, only more to pick between) and a few small scenarios and the sales might well climb into the 1000's. The investment in time and money would be slight so even a nominal pay off would still make the effort worth while.

Given the different markets that Civ3 and 4 appeal to, there would be little chance of stealing sales from one to give it to the other. Make it download only and your marketing and distribution costs are close to nil.

I fully support Bjornlo´s statement (so I´m not a programmer).

I also agree with Bjornlo about the "modder's update" - it wouldn't even need the scenarios for me to get it. The increase in the "pool" of civs to choose from and increased culture groups would be great; maybe an extra trait or two...okay, I won't repeat myself, I said all this a few posts ago!!

I know that there's as much chance of a patch for Civ III happening as a cat winning "best pedigree" at Crufts - but please please listen to us and give Civ III a major boost in the arm.

Talking economically, you're hoping to make a profit from the sale of Chronicles, which is fair enough. Just think how many more units that you'd have sold at $69 if it had something the public really wanted - i.e. an updated Civ III?

Talking economically, you're hoping to make a profit from the sale of Chronicles, which is fair enough. Just think how many more units that you'd have sold at $69 if it had something the public really wanted - i.e. an updated Civ III?

I think you greatly misunderstand my role in this sort of thing. I have absolutely no say in whether or not there is ever any update to Civ 3. All I did was compile the set from existing material and work on getting the new stuff (DVD, tabletop game, book, etc) together.

I appreciate the pleas, and I know you're all very passionate about this. But really, it's not my call.

I think you greatly misunderstand my role in this sort of thing. I have absolutely no say in whether or not there is ever any update to Civ 3. All I did was compile the set from existing material and work on getting the new stuff (DVD, tabletop game, book, etc) together.

I appreciate the pleas, and I know you're all very passionate about this. But really, it's not my call.

Yes, I think most of us do understand that you are not sitting in the office where these decisions are made.

I do have one queston for you though, even though I don't think you have the answer.

The Take-Two web site shows a mailing address in New York.
Would a mailed letter to that address get forwarded to the attention of someone at Take-Two who makes that kind of decision?

The Take-Two web site shows a mailing address in New York.
Would a mailed letter to that address get forwarded to the attention of someone at Take-Two who makes that kind of decision?

It would probably go to me, actually. And then I would hand it off to someone higher up.

I can't say that it will make a huge difference, but it can't hurt. Just be civil about it.

It would probably go to me, actually. And then I would hand it off to someone higher up.

I can't say that it will make a huge difference, but it can't hurt. Just be civil about it.

Thanks Jason.

Thanks again for all your responses, Jason. We could write to your offices in the USA, but I wondered if we started an online petition in the Civ 3 C&C forum and got a number of people signing up, whether or not you'd be able to point those colleagues in the direction of the petition?

If anything, it would indicate how many people actually would want an improved editor. For all you know from this thread, it could be about half-a-dozen modders!

Thanks again for all your responses, Jason. We could write to your offices in the USA, but I wondered if we started an online petition in the Civ 3 C&C forum and got a number of people signing up, whether or not you'd be able to point those colleagues in the direction of the petition?

If anything, it would indicate how many people actually would want an improved editor. For all you know from this thread, it could be about half-a-dozen modders!

Sure...if there's a petition, I'll point people towards it.

Sure...if there's a petition, I'll point people towards it.
Thank-you. That is much appreciated!!

Update: the petition thread is here (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=188128).

2K_jason, thank you for having an open ear for us. :) :)

Jason, I want to apologize to you for venting my frustration over Firaxis/Take2's decison at not upgrading Civ3, and directing my anger at you personally. I am fully aware you are not responsible for their choices, and are just someone trying to do your job and earn a living. I still am disappointed and frustrated, but it is over the decisons made by the big guys, not you.

I again thank you for being honest and direct with us in regards to answering our questions. I also want to thank you for being willing to point anyone with sway at TakeTwo/Firaxis to any petitions for a Civ3 update/upgrade.

Ugg, I think im also gonna wait for the next chronicles pack. The fact that this isnt really a "complete" set just makes me feel like I would be throwing $$$ to the wind.

-Chris

Jason, I want to apologize to you for venting my frustration over Firaxis/Take2's decison at not upgrading Civ3, and directing my anger at you personally. I am fully aware you are not responsible for their choices, and are just someone trying to do your job and earn a living. I still am disappointed and frustrated, but it is over the decisons made by the big guys, not you.

I again thank you for being honest and direct with us in regards to answering our questions. I also want to thank you for being willing to point anyone with sway at TakeTwo/Firaxis to any petitions for a Civ3 update/upgrade.

That's okay, no offense taken.

We do pay attention to these forums, even if we don't post very often.

2k_Jason, a question for you.

I understand that you cannot release the source code because of some copyright issue.

I was wondering if something like what was done for Steel Panthers could happen, or is it a completly loony idea.

Would it be possible to "transfer" the source code to a few selected programmer - modders, with all the necessary NDA?

They could improve a few things, add a few options, correct some minors bugs, and release it on the internet, but as compiled modder expansion, with the necessary protection so it runs only if you own the Civ3 CD ROM.

It would not cost you to much, as you won't have to take time doing it, just perhaps answers a few questions from time to time.

Could it be possible? Or should I abandon all hope of finishing my mod, and work full time on SSS?

In my opinion, though I'm not at all familiar with copyright issues, I think that Steph's idea is a very good way to avoid any problems and a possible (maybe best) solution for opening new horizons in the world of Civ3 modding.

I finally got around to picking up the Chronicles boxed set. For those of you who are on the fence, consider this:

If you're like me, and didn't discover Civ until Civ III, you won't be disappointed by this set. Its so cool discovering how the original Civ was 90% gameplay, 10% graphics. It also reminds you what programs looked and acted like at the birth of our good friend, the personal computer. I'm playing a space race game from each version of the game, in chron order, just to see the overall evolution of the series. I'm actually gaining a better understanding of irrigating tiles and balancing food with production, and I'm getting that from the older games! The city screen in Civ IV makes so much more sense to me now.

If you've been with the series since the original Civ in 1991, then this is an excellent box set to keep just as an archive for your computer.

So even though I already own Civ III and IV, this was the best game I've purchased in a long time. I figure its my small way of supporting the enablers of my civaddiction. I blame you, Jason, and thank you in the same breath.

So pick one up, or start dropping your Christmas present hints.

And "no," I am not a Firaxis employee, although I play one on TV. ;)

It's out already?!?! :eek:

Note to self. Go and buy one ASAP.