Enormous v2.5 update for Galactic Civilizations III & Crusade Expansion releases today

Today, Stardock released a major v2.5 update for its massive turn-based space strategy game, Galactic Civilizations III and its Crusade expansion. The update focuses on modifying the base game by strengthening the parts of the game that people love while also improving performance overall.

"We've made some massive engine enhancements for both the base game and Crusade," said Brad Wardell, CEO of Stardock. "AI, balance, performance, and quite a lot more improved with the development of the expansion. We're continuing to work on Crusade even now, but want to make sure some of those important improvements make it over to the base game too, which is what you're seeing with v2.5."

Because Crusade improved the overall game experience so much, efforts have been made to move some of those enhancements over to the base game. v2.5 also adjusts the AI to allow for better building of fleets and planets and boasts faster turn times, especially when the galaxy is crowded with ships.

The improvements in v2.5 include:

Major Engine Update (Base Game + Crusade):

Improved AI

Better game balance

Faster turn times

Increased performance

Base Game Enhancements:

UI: The cleaner and more functional UI from Crusade is added.

Economics: Galactic resources now accumulate, like in Crusade.

Diplomacy: More informed trade offers, better resource trading, and the "trade bar" from Crusade are added.

AI: Substantial improvements to the AI system from Crusade have been added.

Performance: The AI system has been moved to a core-neutral engine.

"I view Crusade as practically a sequel to the base game, not just an expansion," said Wardell. "We really don't want to get into the business of charging money for AI and engine upgrades, so we'll continue to improve both games in order to achieve the best possible results."