I ask this for several reasons:

From posts I've read, I gather that those with access to the devs who patrol these fan sites may give more attention to the community participating at the official site. Anyways, 2k Greg and others seem to be a lot more interactive with the community there.

So, personally, I've been a fan of this forum long before I actually became a member. But, I really don't spend much time in the other forums -- don't know why. For the new year, I have resolved to spend more time on the official site -- taking good observations and ideas from here to there and supporting the community there as well.

There is a lot of anger and disappointment in this forum, but also lots of good observations and suggestions. Good ideas and good suggestions should be spread. Other good ideas and suggestions from members in other communities need to be supported. So, what I'm suggesting to others like me, is that we not be exclusive.

I've played all the iterations of CIV dating back to my early childhood -- beginning with Avalon Hills 1982 board game (allegedly not the inspiration to CIV1). I believe that C5 is a work in progress and that it has a long ways to go. But, I don't want to see the game or the franchise fail. If others feel this way, let's make sure we're not confining ourselves to just one forum.


http://forums.2kgames.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?74-Civilization-V-General-Discussion

I want them to ditch support of this game completely and move swiftly on to Civ 6 with a new development team/leader. Consider it a write off.

I don't mind paying again if you do it properly next time

I'm an active contributor @ 2K Games Forum (http://forums.2kgames.com/forumdisplay.php?74-Civilization-V-General-Discussion).

If anyone here truly cares about the franchise, they should consider posting there too.

~ Bamm

I'm sceptical as to how much ideas & suggestions are actually taken into consideration by the developers. That is, I don't think what is posted on the forums really specifically impacts on development, other than general sentiment. So posting at the 2K forums would only help to achieve the betterment of the game as far as you think the developers actually listen to specific feedback. Whereas posting here where there is a large modding community would be more helpful in fixing the game through that method. And I'd think developers would look at successful mods over forum posts.

...are you a modder, Camikaze?

Does anyone think that Shafer would have taken any notice of the fans? He wanted to make his game and did so.

I'm sceptical as to how much ideas & suggestions are actually taken into consideration by the developers. That is, I don't think what is posted on the forums really specifically impacts on development, other than general sentiment. So posting at the 2K forums would only help to achieve the betterment of the game as far as you think the developers actually listen to specific feedback. Whereas posting here where there is a large modding community would be more helpful in fixing the game through that method. And I'd think developers would look at successful mods over forum posts.

The really big number of ideas and sugestions for Civ 5 (many even before the announcement of Civ 5 development), many good ones, that were ignored, shows this to be true. IMHO, of course.

CivFanatics has always been _THE_ biggest, most devoted, extensive, serious Civ site. If "we" matter to them, the developers/designers/publishers should be listening wherever we "are;" one staff member, logging on here daily to skim the "headlines," taking some notes, copying a few URLs, and then reporting back at a weekly meeting would hardly be an onerous burden on their resources.

My guess is, we have not mattered to them, and maybe still do not. I'll speculate that, they have not had as much of a hit with Civ5 as they hoped, and perhaps have been surprised at the very negative response among some. But unless they see $ I don't think we CivFanatics matter as much as the general market forces. The game was obviously not designed for CivFanatics it was designed for general market; AFAIK, the developers have said as much.

My guess is, listening to the tone at CivFanatics is not what they have (at least up to recently, based on Shafer's departure) really been interested in doing. Given they seemed to have wanted to take the game into a new, much more main stream direction, NOT listening to CivFanatics may well have been what the intent was. I suspect they will listen to "us" only to the extent that they perceive it will pay them more $.

If they want to prove me wrong, then get a couple of your people on here, responding to forumites, engaging in dialogue, being a part of the community for whom you supposedly design games. That is what the developers publishers that I respect and remain loyal to do.

Okay. It's obvious that, being a relative newbie to the franchise, and since I've only been registered here since January of 2008, my opinion means dick.

Fine. All I can say is, I've devoted literally THOUSANDS of hours to Sid Meier's Civilization, and I'm not about to throw in the towel.


Is Civ5 perfect?: No.

Are you?

is Civ5 perfect?: No.

Are you?


What does that even mean?

It means we can either cry about Civ5's shortcomings like little <snip> or, better yet, we can offer-up constructive criticisms and mod the hell out of it until 2K and Firaxis finally caves in & gives us what we truly want.

Please watch your language.

It means we can either cry about Civ5's shortcomings like little bitces or, better yet, we can offer-up constructive criticisms and mod the hell out of it until 2K and Firaxis finally caves in & gives us what we truly want.
Good luck with that, fans of Master Of Orion are still waiting :)

What's the point of posting on 2k forums? If you'll dare to criticize any aspect of Civ5 then your thread will get flamed and closed, unless it's full of stupid rage that it'll stay to display how irrational are people unhappy with Civ5

Despite excess mod job here at least on civfanatics I can speak my mind and encounter a lot interesting ideas/opinions.

CivFanatics has always been _THE_ biggest, most devoted, extensive, serious Civ site. If "we" matter to them, the developers/designers/publishers should be listening wherever we "are;" one staff member, logging on here daily to skim the "headlines," taking some notes, copying a few URLs, and then reporting back at a weekly meeting would hardly be an onerous burden on their resources.

My guess is, we have not mattered to them, and maybe still do not. I'll speculate that, they have not had as much of a hit with Civ5 as they hoped, and perhaps have been surprised at the very negative response among some. But unless they see $ I don't think we CivFanatics matter as much as the general market forces. The game was obviously not designed for CivFanatics it was designed for general market; AFAIK, the developers have said as much.

My guess is, listening to the tone at CivFanatics is not what they have (at least up to recently, based on Shafer's departure) really been interested in doing. Given they seemed to have wanted to take the game into a new, much more main stream direction, NOT listening to CivFanatics may well have been what the intent was. I suspect they will listen to "us" only to the extent that they perceive it will pay them more $.

If they want to prove me wrong, then get a couple of your people on here, responding to forumites, engaging in dialogue, being a part of the community for whom you supposedly design games. That is what the developers publishers that I respect and remain loyal to do.

I really think, that when they hired Shafer, it was with all the good will in the world. Someone must have thought, "here's a guy who can REALLY make a game the hardcore fans will love and appreciate at the same time". But somewhere along the timeline, extra considerations slipped in. The (let's be honest) Children's Civ: CivRev: did well enough, that adding this new consumer base became (one of)the main priority. The eventual CIV 5 release, therefore became a game that really tried to appeal to too large a demographic...anyways...

I'll tell a story that shows how best will often goes sadly wrong...

When Madden 2010 was being designed, I was an active member of Operation Sports forum (the main Madden internet forum), and to our delight, the main designer promised full community consultation for its design. "this is going to be a game designed by you guys", in short. For 11 months, he stuck to his word. He was on the forums on a daily basis, taking and adopting ideas and suggestions, and providing constant feedback about developments. This idea was in, so was this, so was this. I was not alone in thinking that we the community, had helped create Madden 2010 in the way we wanted, a no BS Football simulation game. There was almost a sense of pride....

And then it got released.....

Virtually none of the promised changes made it into the final game, which was really the same game as last year with a bit of glitter on it. Most of the few changes didn't even work properly. The backlash was, well, nasty. The lead designer was publically crucified, accused of being a liar, a cheat, just a PR stunt, and many more things non repeatable. The forum almost went into a meltdown. Rules were bought in of insti-bans for almost any criticism of the devolopers. In real life, the main developer apparently almost had a nervous breakdown, caused by all the hate. He later admitted (as close as he could anyway), that the game that was released, was not the game he wanted or was designing. He stopped almost completely visiting the forums. Next year's version (2011- the current) was worked on without community feedback.

So the point of the story is that in both examples, I truly believe that all the best will in the world was intended. Devs may listen alll they want to very well informed fans, but even with best intentions, sometimes other things get in the way. They often don't get to release the game they really wanted to.

Okay. It's obvious that, being a relative newbie to the franchise, and since I've only been registered here since January of 2008, my opinion means dick.

Fine. All I can say is, I've devoted literally THOUSANDS of hours to Sid Meier's Civilization, and I'm not about to throw in the towel.


Is Civ5 perfect?: No.

Are you?

Indeed I am.

Devs may listen alll they want to very well informed fans, but even with best intentions, sometimes other things get in the way. They often don't get to release the game they really wanted to.

posting at the 2K forums would only help to achieve the betterment of the game as far as you think the developers actually listen to specific feedback

It is a really poor comparison: Madden to CIV. Madden is notorious for pumping out barely improved installments year after year with almost no consideration of the fan base. CIV has been known as a game in which the community is given a lot of consideration -- especially with regards to patches and expansions.

Certainly, the devs have their agenda, but they and their helpers do in fact gather feedback and suggestions from players and especially modders. However, from what I've read, it seems that over time, fewer info gatherers are visiting civfanatics to gather that info.

My point is, we should help deliver constructive feedback to the main forum where people like 2kgreg are more actively involved with the community.

Preemptive reminder: Bashing other forums is against the forum rules, please remember that.


If anyone here truly cares about the franchise, they should consider posting there too.


I guess i then don't care :D.

Does anyone think that Shafer would have taken any notice of the fans?

He was a fan himself. So i'd guess yes.

It is a really poor comparison: Madden to CIV. Madden is notorious for pumping out barely improved installments year after year with almost no consideration of the fan base. CIV has been known as a game in which the community is given a lot of consideration -- especially with regards to patches and expansions.


Did you actually read my post? The Madden lead designer for 2010, was literally on many times per day, just voicing his ideas to the community, and asking for thoughts and feedback. He might post a vid of some wire work animations, some new ideas for coverage techniques and ask folks if they thought it would work. He would show actual development code, and how certain things were difficult to tweak, as they broke other game aspects. It was the greatest effort, to my knowledge, a developer has ever made in a flagship title, to interact with the community. Unfortunately, it didn't work.

Has anyone from Firaxis ever visited mid development and said for instance..."we're thinking of making roads cost you gpt, what do you think?"....on an open to all internet forum...or...."I'm thinking of making the next Civ 1UPT. Does anyone have any thoughts why this would/wouldn't work".

To my knowledge, absolutely not. The MAIN interaction with the Civ community, is unfortunately to basically ask them how to FIX the already released game. This was true, for III, IV, V and probably will be for VI.

Did you actually read my post?

Yes I did. My point still holds. Comparing Madden fans' experience in 2010, when for once it seemed that the devs were actually listening to the fan base is NOT the same as fans' experiences with CIV. As I said, the CIV franchise is unique in that it has a strong reputation for listening to the fan base and recognizing their interests and concerns. That 2010 Madden dev was unable to alter the EA Sports/Madden culture is unfortunate. Fortunately for the CIV community, we've come to expect something different and there is no reason to expect less now. Comparing the culture, reputation, history of EA's Madden franchise to Firaxis and CIV is really comparing apples and oranges.


The MAIN interaction with the Civ community, is unfortunately to basically ask them how to FIX the already released game.

Sorry, but that is blatantly not true. Players in the civ community play-test prior to release. Players/modders are involved directly or indirectly post-release. Devs and their helpers patrol the forums, reporting back with feedback and suggestions. There is a real back-and-forth between the devs, modders, and players in the CIV series that is extremely unique and should not be dismissed or mischaracterized.

The 2K forums have substantially fewer views for threads than people see here, there is a lot lower signal to noise, and the moderation policy squelches critical discussions of the game. On all counts CivFanatics does better (including moderation of threads in a reasonable fashion).

Okay. It's obvious that, being a relative newbie to the franchise, and since I've only been registered here since January of 2008, my opinion means dick.

Fine. All I can say is, I've devoted literally THOUSANDS of hours to Sid Meier's Civilization, and I'm not about to throw in the towel.


Is Civ5 perfect?: No.

Are you?

you're not going to win this argument. they will zerg rush you ;) if you like the game (as many of us do) and you want to contribute here then you'll be much happier if you don't rise to the bait.

you're not going to win this argument.

Argument? Seems more like a cat fight.

Anyways.....

I think it is possible to be diplomatic in offering suggestions to the 2k forums. If enough people were to begin posting respectfully at the 2k forums, I think the high ground could be seized. With large numbers of people resorting to diplomatic and respectful means of persuasion, I really think the message would get through (assuming it isn't already).

...are you a modder, Camikaze?

Nope, but my point is that I reckon that if my purpose was to help improve the Civ game, I'd be better off posting here (where there is more exposure to modders) than at the 2K forums (where there is more exposure to developers). Due to the reason that modders are far more likely than developers to take ideas and implement them, and that developers are far more likely to take ideas from mods than from posts.

The really big number of ideas and sugestions for Civ 5 (many even before the announcement of Civ 5 development), many good ones, that were ignored, shows this to be true. IMHO, of course.

This is precisely what I mean. There were extensive discussions on a solution to SoDs, for example, but they went for 1upt, something that few (if any) fans had called for. And I recall a quote (I think from Dennis Shirk) claiming that the full screen diplomacy was something that fans had vigorously called for, despite the fact that that was simply not the case. It was meant to be a figleaf to the community on what was a non-existent demand.

Nope, but my point is that I reckon that if my purpose was to help improve the Civ game, I'd be better off posting here (where there is more exposure to modders) than at the 2K forums (where there is more exposure to developers). Due to the reason that modders are far more likely than developers to take ideas and implement them, and that developers are far more likely to take ideas from mods than from posts.


I see your point, mate. Sounds like it's high time I roll up my sleeves and slap on a surgeon's mask. I think where some of us disagree is in how best to tackle this operation. While I prefer to use a scalpel, it appears as though many here would rather employ 16-pound sledgehammers, worn-out chainsaws, blowtorches, and rusty pitchforks.

Hippocratically,
Dr. Bamm

;)

I've seen suggestions made in this forum show up directly into patches.

Heck, take the last Civ V patch. It was announced and one of the notes said they were taking out policy storing. A group of forum goes here started to complain quite vocally in the official thread, ran some polls and threads outside it, and it was quite clear that a large part of the audience did not want policy storing entirely removed. A few weeks later, an update on the upcoming patch said they had added policy storing in as a selectable option in the advanced settings.

Could it be coincidence? Sure... But stuff like this has been happening for years. They never did put in my pro/org leader in Civ IV (grumble grumble), but I've seen a lot of changes show into patches that originated in discussions in this forum. Either there have been many, many coincidences, or they DO pay attention to this forum. Seeing as Civ V development team members periodically post here, I'm inclined to believe they are listening, and that belief has been constantly reinforced by patch notes reflecting discussions I've seen in this forum.

Also, I've seen more than a few general ideas that appeared in mods posted here show up in Civ IV too, so they at least pay attention to the modding community's activity.

Honestly though, the incredible outbreak of negative and Gamespot-esque non-constructive dislike of the game has probably made Firaxis a bit less interested in paying attention to this lot. The forum ain't what it was three years ago.

I see your point, mate. Sounds like it's high time I roll up my sleeves and slap on a surgeon's mask. I think where some of us disagree is in how best to tackle this operation. While I prefer to use a scalpel, it appears as though many here would rather employ 16-pound sledgehammers, worn-out chainsaws, blowtorches, and rusty pitchforks.I don't understand this.

It's not like the devs use the delicacy of surgeons. They blugeoned classical era warfare recently, basically returning us to the same rifles/cannon/cavalry rushes of CIV.

I don't understand this.

It's not like the devs use the delicacy of surgeons. They blugeoned classical era warfare recently, basically returning us to the same rifles/cannon/cavalry rushes of CIV.

Well then, good sir, maybe this is where I have an advantage: As a relative newcomer to the series, I'm not nearly as jaded as some of you cynical veterans.

I ask you: Do you recognize any redeeming qualities/improvements having been made in Civ5, or are most of you "old-timers" completely disgusted with this latest iteration?

I see your point, mate. Sounds like it's high time I roll up my sleeves and slap on a surgeon's mask. I think where some of us disagree is in how best to tackle this operation. While I prefer to use a scalpel, it appears as though many here would rather employ 16-pound sledgehammers, worn-out chainsaws, blowtorches, and rusty pitchforks.

Hippocratically,
Dr. Bamm

;)

Oh certainly, I wouldn't think people contributing here in an unproductive manner would be helpful, either. But assuming an good standard of posting from an individual...

Indeed, Camikaze.

Perhaps I should simply "learn my place". After all, little boys (like me) should be seen, and not heard.


If anybody needs me, I'll be in the dorm, studying for my Med school midterms.

That's not my point at all. I'm not attempting to make any point at all other than I would think it more productive to post here than at the 2K forums. And that's not meant to belittle the 2K forums and those who post at it, because I don't really think the difference is any greater than marginal. My main contention is that every shifting over to posting at 2K is not really going to be all that helpful. If the developers actually care about user feedback, they'll go to where that feedback is, rather than making that feedback come to them.

I would think it more productive to post here than at the 2K forums

My suggestion is that it is most productive to post at both. The reason is (as I've said multiple times) because I have read that the devs and their info-gathering helpers are coming to this forum less and less. So, if you want more direct access to people communicating directly with the devs, you will probably have more success if you take good ideas from these forums and post them at 2k. That's all.

That's not my point at all. I'm not attempting to make any point at all other than I would think it more productive to post here than at the 2K forums. And that's not meant to belittle the 2K forums and those who post at it, because I don't really think the difference is any greater than marginal. My main contention is that every shifting over to posting at 2K is not really going to be all that helpful. If the developers actually care about user feedback, they'll go to where that feedback is, rather than making that feedback come to them.

Agreed, and i'd think they do take notice, even somtimes maybe more than they should! :p

Everyone that posts here is an individual with unique opinions, there are plenty of bad ideas here aswell as good ones! *Cough* GDR *Cough*

Oh, and if anyone one needs me i'll be in my room reading some drama!

Sorry :D

Everyone that posts here is an individual with unique opinions, there are plenty of bad ideas here aswell as good ones! *Cough* GDR *Cough*

Oh, and if anyone one needs me i'll be in my room reading some drama!

Sorry :D

:p

Agreed. And when GDRs were even vaguely hinted at by 2K Greg, I thought, "Yeah... right. :rolleyes:"

I guess the "joke" was on me! :D

you're not going to win this argument. they will zerg rush you ;) if you like the game (as many of us do) and you want to contribute here then you'll be much happier if you don't rise to the bait.

Wholeheartedly agree, and would add that I think 2k definitely reads the CFC threads. Many of the big patch ideas were already implemented here in mods. I post on both sites, but 99% of what's interesting originates here. It's not a knock on that forum, but rather a reflection of CFC's deep and committed bench.

I really think, that when they hired Shafer, it was with all the good will in the world. Someone must have thought, "here's a guy who can REALLY make a game the hardcore fans will love and appreciate at the same time". But somewhere along the timeline, extra considerations slipped in. The (let's be honest) Children's Civ: CivRev: did well enough, that adding this new consumer base became (one of)the main priority. The eventual CIV 5 release, therefore became a game that really tried to appeal to too large a demographic...anyways...

I'll tell a story that shows how best will often goes sadly wrong...

When Madden 2010 was being designed, I was an active member of Operation Sports forum (the main Madden internet forum), and to our delight, the main designer promised full community consultation for its design. "this is going to be a game designed by you guys", in short. For 11 months, he stuck to his word. He was on the forums on a daily basis, taking and adopting ideas and suggestions, and providing constant feedback about developments. This idea was in, so was this, so was this. I was not alone in thinking that we the community, had helped create Madden 2010 in the way we wanted, a no BS Football simulation game. There was almost a sense of pride....

And then it got released.....

Virtually none of the promised changes made it into the final game, which was really the same game as last year with a bit of glitter on it. Most of the few changes didn't even work properly. The backlash was, well, nasty. The lead designer was publically crucified, accused of being a liar, a cheat, just a PR stunt, and many more things non repeatable. The forum almost went into a meltdown. Rules were bought in of insti-bans for almost any criticism of the devolopers. In real life, the main developer apparently almost had a nervous breakdown, caused by all the hate. He later admitted (as close as he could anyway), that the game that was released, was not the game he wanted or was designing. He stopped almost completely visiting the forums. Next year's version (2011- the current) was worked on without community feedback.

So the point of the story is that in both examples, I truly believe that all the best will in the world was intended. Devs may listen alll they want to very well informed fans, but even with best intentions, sometimes other things get in the way. They often don't get to release the game they really wanted to.

Well said Drew, and maybe I'm being too cynical. I would be happy to personally reconcile (as a consumer and fan) with Firaxis, and 2K, i.e., "the developers/publishers." At this point however, based on what they have done to this beloved legacy, they have shattered all trust, betrayed all sympathy, and lost my loyalty entirely. Perhaps it was a manifestation of the best of intentions, but it is a travesty to a beloved piece of art/culture and an important part of my life nonetheless. A _truly_ exceptional Civ5, that built off of the legacy of Civ4 BTS, and showed only minor flaws (and which did not require Steam) would've been enormous for us. Instead, this is what we get: Steam required; game HIGHLY controversial, if not fundamentally broken.

Until I see major signs of a recognition of the gigantic mistakes they have made, and indeed, the fundamental transgressions against the core fanbase and the traditions of the game they have committed, I will never buy another 2K or Firaxis game. I will however, linger here on CivFanatics and the Bethesda forums, etc., for as long as I like.

(...) I will never buy another 2K or Firaxis game. I will however, linger here on CivFanatics and the Bethesda forums, etc., for as long as I like.
Wow, Bethe$da. I've lost any illusions of a good game from them roughly around Morrowind. Frankly, only Daggerfall was good imo, rest was boring pile of crap :)

This forum is home. I may occasionally visit the other one but this is the forum I first met nice people who helped me learn to play better and this is where I stay.

I see your point about spreading good ideas and if I had more time (and ideas! ;) ) I might be more apt to visit both but as it is I'll stay here at home where it's comfortable and let someone else lead the charge. ;)

I ask this for several reasons:

From posts I've read, I gather that those with access to the devs who patrol these fan sites may give more attention to the community participating at the official site. Anyways, 2k Greg and others seem to be a lot more interactive with the community there.

So, personally, I've been a fan of this forum long before I actually became a member. But, I really don't spend much time in the other forums -- don't know why. For the new year, I have resolved to spend more time on the official site -- taking good observations and ideas from here to there and supporting the community there as well.

There is a lot of anger and disappointment in this forum, but also lots of good observations and suggestions. Good ideas and good suggestions should be spread. Other good ideas and suggestions from members in other communities need to be supported. So, what I'm suggesting to others like me, is that we not be exclusive.

I've played all the iterations of CIV dating back to my early childhood -- beginning with Avalon Hills 1982 board game (allegedly not the inspiration to CIV1). I believe that C5 is a work in progress and that it has a long ways to go. But, I don't want to see the game or the franchise fail. If others feel this way, let's make sure we're not confining ourselves to just one forum.


http://forums.2kgames.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?74-Civilization-V-General-Discussion

No, I don't post over at 2K .
I have lurked. I found the moderating bodering on sensorship. I never registered or posted.

I will say that I found a couple of the posters here at CFC embarrassingly uncivil, to the point of them asking Elizabeth to leave. It wouldn't surpise me if they drove Gregg away also, but I wouldn't know because I've since avoided many of the negative threads, posted less and spent my time playing V.

It's great to be posting with friends like Drew, Camikaze, Anthropoid and AfterShafter again. All of us care about the series. I suspect all of us might have enjoyed another IV expansion which made the game even more complex and less accessible to a wider market. I agree with Drew about good intentions, Camikaze about threads in the ideas & suggestions subforum about the SOD threads. There was demand for a correction, and many good ideas put forward( in terms of game mechanics ), but I remember a demand for no arbitrary limits, not a demand for 1UPT. I agree with Anthropoid about Steam. I agree with AfterShafter that I've seen too many ideas from CFC incorporated into the game to be a coincidence.

I also post at WePlayCiv.

I'm delighted with V's hexes, natural wonders, scalabillity,the way GGs enhance al nearby units, unique abillities for civs, the fact that some civs have two UUs and the soundtrack. I really like the idea of city states & the attempts to enhance diplomacy, but I think that needs more tweaking. I think V combat is too demanding of the A.I., but it has the makings of a great MP game. Trouble is that needs more work, too.

What made IV the greatest game of all time were the senses of immersion, the feeling that the world was my canvas, and the compelling desire to play "one..more..turn" - just to find out what happens next.

It's not the same in V.

I fell like a steer against a crowdgate, being forced down a narrowing chute.

I feel like I'm forced to war rather than Wonders.

There are basically improvements to enable special resources, and trading posts for everywwhere else, so that I'm encouraged to make my empire look like a vast tent refugee encampment. Since roads and railroads are for linking cities by the shortest possible routes, workers are tedious rather than a series of small , important decisions.

I am basically forced into adopting one strategy for victory early on. I think it has a lot to do with the social policy sytem.:dunno: I'm not sure how to fix it. I think I'd change the escalating cost of additional policies somehow. Maybe policies need to be priced according to tier, or additional policies in the same branch should cost the same, even if the threshold policies remained on an escalting scale, or maybe it needs to work like the tech tree, with less advanced policies becoming cheaper as time goes by.

I'm going to play some more. Maybe I can eventually come up with an idea to improve the game.