Will Steam allow me to play both Civ 6 and Civ 5

[jmknpk]

As with most application upgrades, I go through a period of using both the new version (while I'm learning) and the old system (because I just want to use or enjoy what I am very familiar with).

This was certainly true of every new version and upgrade in the Civilization series since Civ 2.

I have a seemingly reasonable fear that Steam might force me to use only Civilization 6 once my purchase has been completed. This would be enough of a reason for me to postpone purchasing Civilization until I am absolutely ready to make the switch. I would prefer to pre-order Civilization 6 and leave it on the shelf until I am ready to begin learning.

Can somebody with official involvement with Civilization help me understand whether Steam would allow me to play Civ 5 after Civ 6 becomes available?

 

[Jon Shafer]

As with most application upgrades, I go through a period of using both the new version (while I'm learning) and the old system (because I just want to use or enjoy what I am very familiar with).

This was certainly true of every new version and upgrade in the Civilization series since Civ 2.

I have a seemingly reasonable fear that Steam might force me to use only Civilization 6 once my purchase has been completed. This would be enough of a reason for me to postpone purchasing Civilization until I am absolutely ready to make the switch. I would prefer to pre-order Civilization 6 and leave it on the shelf until I am ready to begin learning.

Can somebody with official involvement with Civilization help me understand whether Steam would allow me to play Civ 5 after Civ 6 becomes available?

You'll definitely still be able to play Civ 5, don't worry.

- Jon

 

[m15a]

Not official, sorry, but Steam allows Civ IV and V to be stored simultaneously and independently. Are there examples of sequels in the past (in any series) on Steam that haven't let both games be installed simultaneously?

 

[Acken]

Steam would allow me to play Civ 5 after Civ 6 becomes available?

Of course it will.

I have a seemingly reasonable fear that Steam might force me to use only Civilization 6 once my purchase has been completed. This would be enough of a reason for me to postpone purchasing Civilization until I am absolutely ready to make the switch. I would prefer to pre-order Civilization 6 and leave it on the shelf until I am ready to begin learning.

Steam forces nothing. It's not a different version of Civ. It's another game.

 

[Jon Shafer]

Not official, sorry, but Steam allows Civ IV and V to be stored simultaneously and independently. Are there examples of sequels in the past (in any series) on Steam that haven't let both games be installed simultaneously?

There's some strangeness with DLC and expansions, but it never bleeds over into separate titles within a franchise.

- Jon

 

[UncivilizedGuy]

There's some strangeness with DLC and expansions, but it never bleeds over into separate titles within a franchise.

- Jon

When Civ V was created did they have some sort of general outline for the future expansions?

 

[Jon Shafer]

When Civ V was created did they have some sort of general outline for the future expansions?

Nope. We just made the game, and plans for future content came together later after release based on what people wanted.

- Jon

 

[jmknpk]

Thanks guys! Most of my favorite games are moving to Steam as a requirement or preferred service. I've used Steam for many years. I haven't been through major version releases in my major games on Steam yet. Appreciate the info

 

[UncivilizedGuy]

Nope. We just made the game, and plans for future content came together later after release based on what people wanted.

- Jon

Interesting. You know I actually waited for the first expansion before I purchased the game. I was very surprised that religion was missing from the base game.

Was there any concern that the fans of the game would be turned off by the fewer game mechanics in Civ V versus Civ IV? Or did you guys think the overhaul to combat and the graphics would make up for that?

 

[Jon Shafer]

Thanks guys! Most of my favorite games are moving to Steam as a requirement or preferred service. I've used Steam for many years. I haven't been through major version releases in my major games on Steam yet. Appreciate the info

My pleasure sir!

Interesting. You know I actually waited for the first expansion before I purchased the game. I was very surprised that religion was missing from the base game. Was there any concern that the fans of the game would be turned off by the fewer game mechanics in Civ V versus Civ IV? Or did you guys think the overhaul to combat and the graphics would make up for that?

It was mainly just a question of time and resources. We'd changed so much with Civ 5 that there was only so much time for everything. Were it an option I'd have made vanilla just as complex as BtS.

- Jon

 

[rastak]

Nope. We just made the game, and plans for future content came together later after release based on what people wanted.

- Jon

What fine game it was. 2000+ hours for me.

Hope your game is going well. Looking forward to that and Civ VI.

 

[Jon Shafer]

Thanks rastak!

- Jon

 

[spfun]

Liking all this Civ5 development info cheers for that Jon...

My question - I always wondered why in Civ 5 Bomber animations were like 10x the length of other units?. I used them in strategic mode to skip the animation. Anyway I really hope they cut out the flying time for Civ 6.

 

[Jon Shafer]

Liking all this Civ5 development info cheers for that Jon...

My question - I always wondered why in Civ 5 Bomber animations were like 10x the length of other units?. I used them in strategic mode to skip the animation. Anyway I really hope they cut out the flying time for Civ 6.

Your guess is as good as mine, my friend. It was probably the last thing added to the game. And it's driven by programming rather than explicitly timed by an animator, which I'm sure is a factor.

- Jon

 

[spfun]

Your guess is as good as mine, my friend. It was probably the last thing added to the game. And it's driven by programming rather than explicitly timed by an animator, which I'm sure is a factor.

- Jon

Its really the only thing in Civ 5 that left me a bit puzzled at times. Having an AI DoW you and send 10 bombers took forever for the turn to end haha...

1800+ hours and my most played game on steam thanks for that.

 

[TheMeInTeam]

Steam doesn't care at all between having games in library and opening one or the other.

Less likely to work is attempting to run both at the same time. One weekend way long ago I did MP civ IV and civ V at the same time with the Polycast group, IV with a blazing timer. I must admit, while I could handle it that was pretty challenging to keep up with both and avoid being the bottleneck most turns in both .

I don't think Steam lets you run games like that though; I've tried opening Civ V + other titles and it doesn't seem to like it.

But just playing one or the other on a whim? No issue there.

 

[UncivilizedGuy]

It was mainly just a question of time and resources. We'd changed so much with Civ 5 that there was only so much time for everything. Were it an option I'd have made vanilla just as complex as BtS.

- Jon

Modding has given me a bit of a window into game development. I have learned how time consuming and complex creating a game like this can be. I appreciate you sharing some insights with us.

Off topic: I checked out a couple of your At The Gates videos last night. The professions system is intriguing. Wish you success on your current endeavor!

 

[HorseshoeHermit]

Steam disabling your access to an iteration of a game you paid for would be the most scandalous thing since they killed Caesar.

Sup Jon. Eo'd any lbe this month? Or is it lbe an Eo - I always get those mixed up.

 

[manu-fan]

It seems that OP thinks that Civ 6 is actually a Civ 5 expansion. It's not, it's a different game. That's why you'll have access to both.

 

[Jon Shafer]

Modding has given me a bit of a window into game development. I have learned how time consuming and complex creating a game like this can be. I appreciate you sharing some insights with us.

Off topic: I checked out a couple of your At The Gates videos last night. The professions system is intriguing. Wish you success on your current endeavor!

Thanks UG!

- Jon