Icons at the bottom of the tech tree?

[Xur]

I searched and found no answer anywhere, so asking here: Anyone know what the icons at the bottom mean? The crappy UI doesn't explain at all. Is it tech leader at that point in time or what? Are the numbers players I haven't met yet or a counter?

 

[Eagle Pursuit]

The icons represent the other players, and their most advanced progress along the tech/culture tree. When one or more players have reached the same level of progress, the number indicates how many are at the same level. And if you hover your cursor over the number, it will tell you who they are and what era they are in.

 

[Xur]

Ah ok thanks. I didn't know about the hover because I had to find a single pixel line for some reason before the hover info showed.

 

[Disgustipated]

Keep in mind it isn't that accurate. The AI loves to beeline, and it may put them ahead of you, but they are still lacking techs 2 eras ago.

 

[Eagle Pursuit]

Keep in mind it isn't that accurate. The AI loves to beeline, and it may put them ahead of you, but they are still lacking techs 2 eras ago.

Yes, that's why I said "most forward progress", because an AI might beeline up to a Modern Era Tech or Civic, but still hasn't finished the Renaissance.