Python sucks.

[Gaurav]

Why do we not have simple .txt files like alpha centauri? -expects flames-

Is there any benefit to these fancier formats?

You can change what is supposed to go in an XML file by editing its schema and fixing the game code to recognize the changes. With a custom text file, you need to write parsing and validation code yourself.

Besides, XML and ini files are just special kinds of text files for which there are already parsers and validators written. XML simultaneously provides tighter runtime control and more flexible design time control than an ini file.

Your flame repellent is working pretty well.