Do you think we'll get expansions for Beyond Earth?

[Barathor]

Regarding religion in the expansion, if it is reintroduced, I really hope we don't get things like Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, etc. Even if they're alongside unique fictional ones, for me, it would really kill the flavor -- even though it still would make some sense (especially for Purity). Though, it makes one wonder what a religious person would truly feel being so far from the planet Earth, and seeing such incredible living things and materials on alien planets. Things become far grander than anything centered on Earth.

I remember seeing different types of unique beliefs named in the XML files, but I just tried to glance back at them again and can't seem to find them. Perhaps they were removed in an update. That's at least encouraging that if they are introduced, there's going to be some interesting new religious beliefs.

Though, what I really hope for is something that takes the place of the religious system; something centered around psionics! Perhaps, over time, something on the new planet slowly untaps something hidden in the minds of humans (yeah, not an uncommon theme...). The power of psionics can even take on a divine nature and flavor within the game, as gifted ones are seen as superhuman, and different beliefs are created to explain all the phenomena.

For example, GP slots and points could be reintroduced and citizens can be assigned to some psionic-themed building (some kind of temple/academy -- sort of like Star Wars) to build up psi/psion/whatever-you-want-to-call-the-dark-purple-yield. Just like prophets, you can periodically have a "gifted one" born/discovered within your faction who displays incredible power. You can expend them to progress within a special psionic tree which unlocks new abilities/bonuses -- either exclusive to each faction or they all share the same one and progress through it at their own rates. Or... you could do other interesting things with them, perhaps.

Just a small example, without a lot of details. I'm sure Firaxis could cook up something really amazing if they went down that really sci-fi'ish road, and borrowed a few concepts and systems from Civ but reworked them into something new.

 

[GAGA Extrem]

I don't think that traditional religion would fit the BE theme.
The CIV5 system would, however, work quite well with "Ideologies"

Instead of having "Taoism" and "Confuzianism" applying pressure on cities, you could have "Gaian" and "Neo-Terran" ideologies compete over influence on the citizens. Each could either be providing small predefined benefits (e.g.: Gaian = +1 food from Miasma, Neo-Terran: -1 unhealth from factories) - or you just use the CIV5 religion builder and let the player create their own ideology (e.g.: "Gaian": +1 Food from Miasma, can buy "Alien Preserve" building (+2 culture and +2 science from Xenomass) for ideology points, ideology spreads 33% further away).

 

[Halbbruder]

As previously stated, we'll never know the answer to that question. The best way to answer it would be to imagine that you are a senior colleague in Firaxis or Sid Meier himself offering advice to the company. Honestly I don't know how big that company is but if it is rather small then I highly doubt that they would be working on multiple projects at once, given the recent mixed reviews on CivBE.

Right now, if I were them, I'd focus on that Starships game, make sure it covers every flaw from Civbe (e.g: AI diplomacy, diplomacy options, AI combat, etc) otherwise firaxis would experience this double hit in reputation. It would also explain why we're seeing Sid Meier in the starships livestream in contrast to the pre-release civbe livestreams which did not feature him at all.

Then, release game, analyze reviews. If mixed again, then find common flaws between starships and CivBE. If it is too hard to change the flaws in those games, then forget about those games and make sure those flaws are properly addressed in civ 6, if it ever comes. Take as much time as you need but keep in mind of finances and the need to create a new stream of revenue. If reviews are positive, incorporate the positive features into civ 6 and civBE, bearing in mind any cons mentioned. After releasing Starships, Release CivBE expansion first then focus on civ 6.

Then again, there is no such thing as a perfect game. Every game is always going to have its critics.

 

[Kutuzov]

As previously stated, we'll never know the answer to that question. The best way to answer it would be to imagine that you are a senior colleague in Firaxis or Sid Meier himself offering advice to the company. Honestly I don't know how big that company is but if it is rather small then I highly doubt that they would be working on multiple projects at once, given the recent mixed reviews on CivBE.

Right now, if I were them, I'd focus on that Starships game, make sure it covers every flaw from Civbe (e.g: AI diplomacy, diplomacy options, AI combat, etc) otherwise firaxis would experience this double hit in reputation. It would also explain why we're seeing Sid Meier in the starships livestream in contrast to the pre-release civbe livestreams which did not feature him at all.

Then, release game, analyze reviews. If mixed again, then find common flaws between starships and CivBE. If it is too hard to change the flaws in those games, then forget about those games and make sure those flaws are properly addressed in civ 6, if it ever comes. Take as much time as you need but keep in mind of finances and the need to create a new stream of revenue. If reviews are positive, incorporate the positive features into civ 6 and civBE, bearing in mind any cons mentioned. After releasing Starships, Release CivBE expansion first then focus on civ 6.

Then again, there is no such thing as a perfect game. Every game is always going to have its critics.

If you haven't read this interview yet, you might find it interesting. In it, Sid talks about the new studio structure.

http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sid-meier-opens-up-on-new-team-structure-lots-more/1100-6424761/

I thought this quote was quite interesting too

When I did Civilization, it wasn't like, 'OK, I'm going to do six of these.' It was, let's make a fun game and see how people like it

Just guessing but in that quote, he does suggest that there are going to be six Civ games. I'd say that's a good indicator that work on Civ 6 is well under way. Or maybe I'm reading too much into it.

 

[Minor Annoyance]

Honestly I don't know how big that company is but if it is rather small then I highly doubt that they would be working on multiple projects at once, given the recent mixed reviews on CivBE.

Right now, if I were them, I'd focus on that Starships game, make sure it covers every flaw from Civbe (e.g: AI diplomacy, diplomacy options, AI combat, etc) otherwise firaxis would experience this double hit in reputation. It would also explain why we're seeing Sid Meier in the starships livestream in contrast to the pre-release civbe livestreams which did not feature him at all.

They're big enough that they have multiple teams. Starships is a smaller team because it's a smaller game. XCOM didn't stop them from making expansions for Civilization 5 and it was a much bigger game.

There's no hidden meaning in Sid doing the livestreams now when he didn't before. The streams were done by the lead designers. He wasn't the lead designer on Beyond Earth. They were in development at the same time.

I'm kinda glad your not working for Firaxis because although Starships is exactly the kind of thing I like, I am not a all done with Beyond Earth and I don't want it back burnered while they do something else.

 

[Gorbles]

Just guessing but in that quote, he does suggest that there are going to be six Civ games. I'd say that's a good indicator that work on Civ 6 is well under way. Or maybe I'm reading too much into it.

The alternative (and also hopeful considering future support) is that Beyond Earth, being a Civilisation title, is that sixth title mentioned.

 

[Halbbruder]

If you haven't read this interview yet, you might find it interesting. In it, Sid talks about the new studio structure.

http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sid-meier-opens-up-on-new-team-structure-lots-more/1100-6424761/

I thought this quote was quite interesting too



Just guessing but in that quote, he does suggest that there are going to be six Civ games. I'd say that's a good indicator that work on Civ 6 is well under way. Or maybe I'm reading too much into it.

Cool, thanks for the link. It sure is a pretty big group but they're now deciding to decentralize a bit.

 

[NukeAJS]

Many people hated Civ5 when it came out and, after many patches, two expansions, and tons of early DLC, it became much better and opinion turned around.

CivBE could be the same, but I don't think nearly as much care and attention to being put into CivBE post-release as Civ5 got.

Anyways, I predict one expansion if only because 8 sponsors at release seems to scream "We plan to add more!"

I'd actually be fine with paying for a low price ($5-$10) DLC that just adds 8+ new sponsors. Keyword here -- low price

 

[Pietato]

Starships seems to be the game's successor. So probably no expansion.