Recommended Posts

The beta patch went live today which addresses a common issue with laptops that have both integrated and discrete graphics chipsets, some fixes, and the option to suspend production at a shipyard. The full patch notes can be found here.

Yes I do. :)

I figured that's what "partner" meant under your pic but the St. Cloud, FL location threw me.  I thought all the Stardock guys were in Michigan.  Anyway thanks for the updates!

  • 3 weeks later...
  • 4 weeks later...

Beta 2 is now available!  It brings diplomacy, trade, the Krynn, and more. :)

  • Diplomacy ? Make friends, broker deals, and threaten uppity neighbors in your bid for galactic dominance
  • Trade ? Boost your economy through trade, or take a more proactive approach by raiding enemy trade routes
  • The United Planets ? Enact game-altering edicts, embargo your rivals, or face the wrath of a galaxy united by defying the council?s resolutions
  • The Krynn ? Take control of the Krynn faction: a conglomeration of alien species whose government is in the pocket of organized crime
  • Expanded Interface ? Effortlessly command a galaxy full of colonies and fleets with rally points, mass upgrades, and more

Full changelog is here.

I figured that's what "partner" meant under your pic but the St. Cloud, FL location threw me.  I thought all the Stardock guys were in Michigan.  Anyway thanks for the updates!

"Island Dog" is in fact the "nom de Neowin" of Stardock CEO Brad "Rad" Wardell - as such, he's been rather commonplace here on Neowin.

 

The "Rad" goes back to the original Galactic Civilizations - which was my first exposure to Stardock's gaming side.  (My original exposure to Stardock itself was Object Desktop.)

I would have hoped it would be a larger graphical improvement over GalCiv2. It's not a bad-looking game by any means, but it's not very impressive for its time either. The characters in diplomacy look nice but the main strategy screen is somewhat unexciting. SoaSE and Beyond Earth are quite a bit more fun to look at.

Given that Stardock has bombed every game release other than Sins of a Solar empire, i'm staying clear.  Theyve burned me multiple times with Demigod and Elemental.  The game will run, but multiplayer will be totally broken like the other games they messed up.  When their staff posts on their forums 'just buy it and put it down for 6 months while we fix it'...they lose all credibility.  

  • 1 month later...

Beta 3 is out and the Yor have made their arrival!

Beta 3 adds everyone?s favorite synthetic sociopaths, who laugh at the idea of feeding their colonists or worrying about growth rates. Need more population? Just build some new units to augment the Singularity?s physical capabilities. Simple.

 

Also included in Beta 3 are big-moment cinematics done by our in-house team to mark occasions like your first capital ship launched or first colony founded, and our first pass at combat animations including visible damage states for starships.

 

We?ve also dropped in unique art for many events, made the UI reflect your empire?s color (GalCiv III is approximately 62% less blue, on balance), added a ton of (perfectly realistic) sound effects to many objects in space, completely overhauled balance, and much more.

 

Read the full patch notes here: http://forums.galciv3.com/459763

  • 1 month later...
  • 2 months later...
  • 2 weeks later...
  • 1 month later...

I see you guys are doing the same BS as all other publishers/ self publishers on Steam. 3 videos. no a single second of actual gameplay in any video... I mean sure, there isn't a whole lot of exciting gameplay in a 4X game, but still. 

  • 6 months later...

The big Diplomatic feature update and Precursor Worlds DLC is out today! :)
 

 
1.5 offers more diplomacy options, the new Coercion ability, and a unique twist on the Planetary Spending Wheel while the "Precursor Worlds" DLC brings exciting new worlds, events, and anomalies to the game! 

Features:
 
  • Precursor Planet Types: Colonize Precursor Worlds and discover Space Elevators, Orbital Factory Rings, Promethion Refineries, and other exotic technologies that can boost planetary production, build better ships, or increase resources.
  • Colonization Events: Wrestle with new ideological choices that can drastically alter the future and potential of your new Precursor colonies.
  • Anomalies: Alter the future of your civilization by sending your survey ships out in search of more powerful Precursor Anomalies.

Info and changelog: http://forums.galciv3.com/473700/

  • 1 month later...

GalCiv III: Mercenaries was announced today! The first expansion for Galactic Civilizations III with New Factions, New Ships, Mercenary Bazaar and more. :)

 

Visit the Galactic Bazaar and hire dozens of Mercenaries
Discover Galactic Bazaars and choose from dozens of mercenaries for hire! Is that anomaly a little too dangerous to risk your own life and limb over? Pick a mercenary suited for the job and order them to do your bidding. Your bones are fragile, after all.

 

New Campaign! Lead the Torians to freedom from their Drengin oppressors 
Hire mercenaries and use them to help lead the Torians to freedom from their Drengin oppressors in an exciting new campaign. Rebuild your shattered empire from the ground up and thrive in the face of adversity.

 

Tons of New Ship Designs
Every mercenary has their own unique ship for traveling across the galaxy in style. Speaking of style, there are lots of new ship parts to enhance your own customizations and styles! 

 

Play as an Ancient Race of Warriors
The Arceans, an ancient and honorable civilization of warriors and long-time enemy of the Drengin Empire, make their debut in Mercenaries! The Arceans have new racial traits and abilities and a unique tech tree to boot!

 

Play as an Old Familiar Race from Galactic Civilizations II
The aquatic Torians are back and ready to fight! ...Well, sort of. They're ready to hire a bunch of mercenaries to help them escape their enslavement from the cruel Drengin Empire. The Torians are at the center of the Mercenaries campaign and also have new racial traits, abilities, and tech trees for you to explore.

 

More info: http://forums.galciv3.com/474543/

 

Bazaar_02.png

 

  • 4 weeks later...

GalCiv III: Mercenaries and the v1.6 update are out today!

 

Mercenaries info: http://forums.galciv3.com/474801/

 

v1.6 changelog: http://forums.galciv3.com/475427

 

In Galactic Civilizations III: Mercenaries, the human race is fighting a war against the remorseless Drengin Empire. Both sides have become increasingly desperate, leading them to turn to the galactic underworld and their elite mercenaries.

 

Visit the Galactic Bazaar and hire dozens of Mercenaries
Discover Galactic Bazaars and choose from dozens of mercenaries for hire! Is that anomaly a little too dangerous to risk your own life and limb over? Pick a mercenary suited for the job and order them to do your bidding. Your bones are fragile, after all.
 

New Campaign! Lead the Torians to freedom from their Drengin oppressors
Hire mercenaries and use them to help lead the Torians to freedom from their Drengin oppressors in an exciting new campaign. Rebuild your shattered empire from the ground up and thrive in the face of adversity.

 

Tons of New Ship Designs
Every mercenary has their own unique ship for traveling across the galaxy in style. Speaking of style, there are lots of new ship parts to enhance your own customizations and styles!

 

Play as an Ancient Race of Warriors
The Arceans, an ancient and honorable civilization of warriors and long-time enemy of the Drengin Empire, make their debut in Mercenaries! The Arceans have new racial traits and abilities and a unique tech tree to boot!

 

Play as an Old Familiar Race from Galactic Civilizations II
The aquatic Torians are back and ready to fight! ...Well, sort of. They're ready to hire a bunch of mercenaries to help them escape their enslavement from the cruel Drengin Empire. The Torians are at the center of the Mercenaries campaign and also have new racial traits, abilities, and tech trees for you to explore.

 

02_image_31.png

1 hour ago, Island Dog said:

GalCiv III: Mercenaries and the v1.6 update are out today!

Picked it up on gog.com!

I'm not sure why you guy don't even mention them when you say where it's available but thanks for at least releasing there instead of being Steam ONLY.

  • 2 months later...
  • 3 weeks later...

The Builder's Kit DLC is out today. :)

 

New Ship Parts
Use dozens of core and specialized parts in shapes like disks, boxes, cockpits, fins, and more!    

 

New Labeling Options
Use letters and numbers to enhance your ship designs and show off your creative names!    

 

New Ship Style Set
The new Raider style allows you to outfit your custom factions with a new look to their starbases, shipyards, and more!

 

http://forums.galciv3.com/477524/

 

ShipBuilder_Mech.png

  • 2 weeks later...

The Galactic Civilizations III v1.8 update is out today with asteroid mining, ship leveling, improved multiplayer, and more. :)

 

Info and changelog: http://forums.galciv3.com/477869/

 

Highlights of the update:

 

Quote

Asteroid Mining
Looking for a get rich quick scheme? Well, this may not quite fit the bill, but it will fill your pockets! Choose an asteroid in your zone of control and build an Asteroid Mining Base. When completed, it will send raw production to a planet of your choice. make sure to keep an eye out for your enemies, though -- these bases are fragile and easily destroyed. 

New Planet List
There are a lot of planets out there just waiting to be discovered! This new planet list allows you to keep track of the planets you've already found so that when you go back to colonize them later, they're much easier to find.

Ship Leveling
Win battles and survey anomalies to level up your vessels! Most ships will gain additional hit points as they gain experience and Mercenary Ships will improve based on their existing abilities, which makes them a lot more relevant in the late game.

Star Information Window
Click on a star to see all colonizable worlds within that system. Organize your empire by renaming stars with your own name scheme - or, draw inspiration from your favorite Sci-Fi series!

Multiplayer Improvements
Enjoy new stability in your games online with friends! The game has been updated to allow for increased ship movement during multiplayer matches and a host of fixes for issues that could cause desyncs.

gc3_v18_ShipLeveling.png

  • 1 month later...

The v1.81 update is available today. This update focuses on UI and AI, along with various other fixes and improvements to the game. :)

 

Full changelog: http://forums.galciv3.com/478793/

 

Quote

 

Increased AI Aggression 
Ai is more likely to engage you multiple times in a single turn.  

 

New notification UI
We've updated notification system to make it more useful and informative.  Notifications messages now appear as scrolling list on the left-hand side of the screen. Notifications can be filtered based on priority or disabled off in the game options menu.

 

Better load times  
Starting a new game is significantly faster.  

 

 

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Posts

    • Anthropic introduces Claude Tag, a new AI teammate for Slack by Fiza Ali Anthropic has announced Claude Tag, a new feature that lets teams work with Claude directly inside Slack. The idea is simple: once Claude is added to a Slack workspace and given access to selected channels, users can tag @Claude in conversations and assign tasks. Claude can then work through those requests using connected tools and data sources before posting its results back into a Slack thread. What makes Claude Tag different from a typical chatbot is that it's designed to operate as a shared assistant for an entire team rather than a single user. Everyone in a channel interacts with the same Claude instance. This allows the team members to see ongoing work and continue tasks started by others. Furthermore, Anthropic says the AI can build context over time by following conversations in channels where it has permission to operate. This means users don't have to repeatedly provide the same background information for every request. The system is also designed for asynchronous work. Instead of waiting for responses in a chat window, users can assign a task to Claude and return later once the work is complete. Anthropic says Claude can break larger requests into multiple steps and use connected tools to complete them. Moreover, the system can also schedule follow-up tasks and continue working on projects over extended periods. Another feature allows Claude to keep the users updated and follow up on unresolved tasks when its optional "ambient" mode is enabled. The company says the tool is already being used internally for software development, data analysis, support workflows, and debugging. According to Anthropic, around 65% of its product team's code is now generated through its internal version of Claude Tag. For organisations concerned about security, administrators can control which channels, tools, and data sources Claude can access. Separate Claude instances can also be configured for different departments, helping keep information isolated between teams. Administrators can also monitor activity logs, review completed tasks, and set spending limits at both the organisation and channel level. Claude Tag is now available in beta for Claude Enterprise and Claude Team customers and runs on Claude Opus 4.8 that was announced this May. The feature will also replace Anthropic's existing Claude in Slack application, with current users able to migrate within a 30-day migration window. Lastly, eligible customers will receive introductory credits to help teams evaluate the new experience.
    • Beats Studio Pro wireless over-ear ANC headphones drop to their lowest price yet by Fiza Ali Amazon is currently offering the Beats Studio Pro headphones at their all-time low price. The Studio Pro use 40mm active drivers which are designed to improve clarity and reduce distortion compared to previous models, with up to an 80% improvement over the Beats Studio3 Wireless. A built-in digital processor adjusts frequency response to keep the sound balanced rather than overly boosted in any one area. They also include Active Noise Cancelling that adapts to your surroundings to reduce background noise along with a Transparency mode that lets outside sound in when you need awareness of what’s going on around you. Furthermore, the headphones support personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking as well as Dolby Atmos playback on supported content. Moreover, built-in voice-targeting microphones improve call quality. You can also switch between three sound profiles including Beats Signature for balanced music playback, Entertainment for films and gaming, and Conversation for clearer voice in calls and podcasts. Physically, they are designed to be worn for long periods without feeling heavy or awkward. The ear cushions use UltraPlush engineered leather while metal sliders allow you to adjust the fit. On the connectivity side, the Studio Pro use Class 1 Bluetooth for a stable, long-range wireless connection. There is also a 3.5mm input if you want to plug in directly, including use with in-flight entertainment systems. Controls are located on the headphones and include a "b" button for music and call control, a volume rocker, and a multifunction button used for switching listening modes, EQ settings, power, and pairing. In addition, the headphones offer integration with both Apple and Android devices. On Apple devices, they support one-touch pairing with iCloud-linked devices, hands-free Siri access, Find My tracking based on last connected location, and automatic software updates. On Android devices, they support Google Fast Pair, Audio Switch between compatible devices, and Google Find My Device tracking, with additional features available through the Beats app. When it comes to the battery performance, it is rated at up to 40 hours of listening time with ANC turned off, and up to 24 hours with ANC or Transparency mode enabled. A 10-minute Fast Fuel charge should provide up to 4 hours of playback. Finally, the headphones use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and charge via USB-C. Beats Studio Pro Wireless Over-Ear ANC Headphones: $149.95 (Amazon US) Good to know This Amazon deal is U.S. specific, and not available in other regions unless specified. We only use first-party seller links (at the time of article publishing); ensure that you purchase from a first-party seller link only. Check out Today's Deals on Amazon | or our recent tech deals. Become a Prime member (for Students or SNAP) via Neowin Get Prime Access - Prime for half price (for qualifying Medicaid, EBT, SNAP) Subscribe to Prime Video, Audible Plus, Music Unlimited or Kindle Unlimited via Neowin As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • "lets you pause updates by choosing an end date, for up to 35 days" Wasn't it "indefinitely"?
    • Those extra reboots are related to the UEFI Secure Boot certificate update thing.
    • Hands on with the ProtoArc EM25: Affordable ergonomic mouse that focuses on the right things by Taras Buria ProtoArc is known for making all sorts of office products with a big focus on ergonomics and comfort. Its latest product, the EM25, promises a comfortable-to-use, affordable, and customizable mouse. We took one for a spin; here are our impressions. The ProtoArc EM25 is a $49.99 mouse, but right now, during Prime Day 2026, you can get it for just $37.99. Right off the bat, you can see that the EM25 is inspired by Logitech's MX Master lineup and the legendary MX Master 3/3S. Its shape and proportions are very similar, so for a person with large hands (right-handed person, mind you), the EM25 is very comfortable to use. The mouse fills the palm, and the thumb rests on a small extension, giving your wrist a small tilt to reduce strain. The mouse is made of black plastic without any coating, eliminating long-term wear concerns. However, I can see the main buttons and other areas you touch the most getting polished over time. Despite its size and bulk, the mouse is not too heavy. It weighs about 100 grams, which is significantly less than the MX Master 3S and its successor. It is no lightweight gaming mouse by any means, but it is not excessively heavy like the MX Master 4. The EM25 has a built-in storage for its USB dongle. It is a cleverly made magnetic flap that you open by simply pressing on it. Next to the flap, you will find the on/off switch, the 1,000 Hz sensor, and a DPI button (up to 8,000 DPI). I find the DPI button location a bit odd, and I would prefer it somewhere below the main scroll wheel. Still, given that I never change DPI on my mice, I will let it pass. What is more important is that, unlike MX Master 3/3S/4, the device switch button is located below the left-click button, which allows you to switch devices without lifting and flipping the mouse. For a multi-device setup, this is a perfect solution: the button does not require too much effort to use, it does not get in your way, but it is also easily reachable with your thumb. The main scroll wheel has two modes: ratcheted and free-flow. You can only change between them with a bright orange button (I like this little touch of color), which is sprung and requires some effort to press. The wheel is dead-silent in free-flow mode, but ratched is quite loud and stiff, perhaps even too much to my liking. I can hardly call it deal-breaking, but it will certainly take some time to get used to. The side scroll wheel, it is notched, silent, and pleasant to use. Next to it, you can find a piece of glossed plastic with connection indicators: Dongle, Bluetooth 1, Bluetooth 2, and the low battery indicator. By the way, the built-in battery is rechargeable via a USB Type-C cable, which is included. It is sleeved and has an orange velcro strap to keep it tidy. After using the EM25 for a few weeks, I can say that its main buttons are my absolute favorite. They have very pronounced clicks, which feel great with just the right amount of force required to register a press. I would say they feel like something in between regular mouse clicks and silent ones. You can hear and feel the springy switch, but it is not sharp or loud to the point of annoying you. As for back/forward and device switch buttons, they are very clicky and quite noisy. Unfortunately, there are no extra buttons that you can map to specific things like in the MX Master lineup. Besides great primary clicks, another thing I like about the EM25 is its 1,000 Hz sensor. In the world, where Logitech still uses 125 Hz sensors in $100+ mice, seeing a much faster sensor in a mouse that costs three times less is very refreshing. Also, all the settings and customization you make are stored on-device, and you do not need to install any software. Just open the web-based app and change all that you need. Speaking of customization, you can remap what buttons do, adjust the DPI, and the sensor speed. Sadly, gestures are not supported, but you can still map pretty much anything to each button, including shortcuts, media buttons, and more. I also recommend using software like XMouseControl, as it will let you remap the side scroll wheel. At the end of the day, the ProtoArc EM25 is a great mouse. Clearly inspired by the MX Master lineup, it takes the best of it and complements it with a much more wallet-friendly price tag, significantly better sensor, on-device memory, a built-in storage for the dongle, and more (it fixes everything that I complained about the MX Master 4 recently). And for only $37.99 during Prime Day, the EM25 is an easy recommendation. Buy ProtoArc EM25 mouse - $37.99 | 24% off with Prime As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
  • Recent Achievements

    • Rookie
      DaviKar went up a rank
      Rookie
    • Dedicated
      HidekoYamamoto94 earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • One Month Later
      timbobit earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Month Later
      nates earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      Almohandis earned a badge
      Week One Done
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      460
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      161
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      110
    4. 4
      Michael Scrip
      81
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      69
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!