Modding potential of the civ switching system

[tipsoops]

I think that the civ switching system opens up massive new possibilities for modders, and could potentially eliminate every problem people have with the system. Firstly, by detaching leaders from civs a huge hurdle for modders is now gone. Civs no longer need to have unique 3D models and animations to go along with them (beside unique units and buildings). Secondly, as long as the historically default settings are able to be edited (I presume they are, since I expect them to be changed in various DLCs), Civs can simply be brought forward into past and future ages. Imagine going from an anicent Egypt focused on building wonders and navigable river trade to a medieval state focused on religion and conquest, to a modern state focused on diplomacy and trade (ala Nassar). Each different "era" of Egypt would have its own civic tree, unique units and unique buildings. Some civs might have to get pretty speculative (for example, coming up with bonuses to the Aztec or Shawnee in the antiquity and modern ages) but I think its definitely possible, and could lead to some really interesting ideas. We can finally see what a modern Roman empire would look like, with its own civic tree, units and buildings. Same goes for a modern Shawnee, modern Aztec empire, etc. If you think this goes too far into "alt-history," remember that you are already playing as a nuclear armed Aztec and Roman empire in every other civ game. I don't think imagining what that empire would look like on a deeper level is going to break immersion, at least not for me.

I already think Civ 7 is looking fantastic, but modding could really make this game the default civ game, even for the people currently talking about leaving the series forever. What do you guys think? Obviously the game needs to be good before anyone thinks about modding it, and Firaxis needs to provide the proper tools, but overall I think this sounds really promising.

 

[Lonecat Nekophrodite]

Not sure about that, but what i'm more interested in is unit lineups. so far there's no more silly unit classes like separate Melee infantry and Anticavalry infantry classes. blatantly silly. what interests me more is that if at one point 'light' and 'heavy' cavalry class still valid in this scale? but Scouts are now separate entirety entirely, and not just a 'light' combat unit it was. I don't think they should be upgradeable either because the lineage (and relevancy) will end once era changes particularly from Age 2 to 3

though swordsmen and spearmen as early divergence might make SOME sense if not all, yet they converge at AGE2.

they're best being observers for my likings.

 

[Krajzen]

The extent to which civ switching can be modded or customized is right now straight out the most important thing for the game's initial player count, since apparently like 90% of the negative impressions of the entire previewed game are related to it.

Honestly I have never seen a game where so much fiery discourse and controversy has been loaded onto a single aspect of its design among like fifty of them Can you imagine how calm fanbase would have been if civs worked like usual? The only major complaint I could think od in such case are leader screens.

 

[AriochIV]

Yeah, I expect the earliest mods to be off-Age variants of the core civs.

But going forward, there's a lot of potential here. I think the mechanic is fine, but what has people worried are the illogical civ transitions.

The extent to which civ switching can be modded or customized is right now straight out the most important thing for the game's initial player count, since apparently like 90% of the negative impressions of the entire previewed game are related to it.

Honestly I have never seen a game where so much fiery discourse and controversy has been loaded onto a single aspect of its design among like fifty of them Can you imagine how calm fanbase would have been if civs worked like usual? The only major complaint I could think od in such case are leader screens.

Nah people would be complaining that it wasn't different enough. Some still are, believe it or not.

 

[GIO888]

I have to say I'm already hoping the Modding community will save Civ VII for those of us
who want to be Shaka or Washington or Elizabeth or Tokugawa for the whole game - preferably TSL on an Earth map?