Open letter to Firaxis from the scenario community

[techumseh]

Dear Firaxis,

Like Civers around the world, the scenario design community has waited with baited breath for the release of Civilization III. We have eagerly anticipated the new editing tools and the new and innovative concepts promised. We appreciated it very much when Firaxis relented and provided for more than 8 civilizations, a key victory for scenario designers. Most of all, we were delighted that Sid Meier and Firaxis were contracted to do the design, because we knew the excellence of your work and your sensitivity to our requirements.

So it was with bitter disappointment that we learned that the new game had no events capability at all. Disappointment turned to anger when we learned that it was impossible to place units or cities on the map. Clearly, as it now stands, NO scenarios will be possible with Civ3.

We believe that our community, including the many pioneers who paved the way for us, have contributed greatly to the success and longevity of Civ2. We believe that we can contribute in the same way to Civ3 as well. There are many outstanding aspects to the new game. It shows great craftmanship, but it leaves us standing out in the cold.

We appreciate Firaxis' committment to further improve editing tools in a patch. We would like to outline here what we consider the essential tools for creating good scenarios. If you provide these, we guarantee a steady supply of creative and fun scenarios for the whole civ community!

1. An effective scripting language. Events are essential to a good scenario. No AI, regardless of how good it is, can replicate historical events properly. Events at the quality level of Fantastic Worlds are the minimum, with an increased heap size to at least 100kb in order to deal with up to 16 tribes. We encourage you to go farther and incorporate some of the features found in Test of Time, especially multiple triggers and events that can be turned on and off.

2. We must be able to place units and cities on the map. This is basic. So are flat maps.

3. The various tools available in Civ2's cheat mode and scenario parameters are required, or new equivalents. If we can't add improvements to cities, and copy them in other cities, change money, or modify treaties and reputations, we can't make decent historical scenarios.

4. Map visibility is critical. We have to be able to reveal or hide the map at will, and do so from the point of view of any tribe. Revealing the map fully means being able to look into any city of any tribe, and make changes. And it means being able to run complete turns and observe the movements and actions of ALL units, regardless of their tribe.

5. A flexible scorings/objectives system, that allows designers to set a number of different victory conditions for a scenario is necessary.

6. Multiplayer is desireable and was certainly expected. However, PBEM (Play By Electronic Mail) scenarios are rapidly increasing in popularity. These are essentially hot-seat games in which the player takes his/her turn and emails the save game to the next player. Even if true online multi-player can't be provided immediately, PBEM capability should be.

Members of our community are chomping at the bit to produce great scenarios with Civ3. Whether historical, fictional, fantasy or sci-fi, lots of scenarios have been percollating in our brains, just waiting for the release of the game. Please give us the tools to do the job! We look forward to your positive response to our suggestions. Thank you.

The Scenario Community,

Javier Arriaga
jasev@aluesi.us.es
First Carlist War, Drole de guerre and others.

Andreas Naes Aaserud (a.k.a Hetairoi22)
E-mail: andreas@dk2net.dk

Jesus Balsinde (a.k.a. Jay Bee)
site: spanish@apolyton.net
scenarios: Of Celts and Iberians, Eldorado and many others

Jacob Baskin
jbaskin@uts.oise.utoronto.ca
Scenarios: Greek Colonization, Out of the Darkness

Morten Blaabjerg (a.k.a. hardjoy)
email : crewscut@mail.tdcadsl.dk
scenarios : Hammer of the North, The Emin Pasha Relief Expedition

Bernd Brosing
Bernd@civii.de
scenarios: Imperium Romanum, SubWar and one other

Michael Daumen
Scenarios:The Great Game, and several other scenarios

Peter Delaney (a.k.a. Blackclove)
delaney@ufl.edu
scenarios: Dungeon!, Toussaint (Haiti) and several others

Nick Dowling (aka Case)
email: nick_dowling@hotmail.com
Scenarios: 'Raging Dragon' 'The Cruel Sea' and one other scenario

John Ellis
netdesign@zoom.co.uk
Scenarios: Colonies 1, 2, 3.x, Seize the Crown! and 3 other scenarios

Carl Fritz
cfritz@angelfire.com
Scenarios: Pitt's War at Sea, Battle of Algiers, and several others

Joe R. Golowka
JoeG@ieee.org

Juan González Villa (Fiera)
jgv@edinoesis.com

Stefan W. Härtel
Stefan.Haertel@t-online.de
scenarios: Quest for Asia, Shaibani and several others

Cam Hills
Email: c.hills@bigpond.com
Scenarios : Gangster, Stoker and two others

William Keenan
site:The Cradle of Civilization
scenario: Necrociv, the Rise of the Necromancer

Kestrel18
E-mail: kestrel18@bigpond.com
Scenarios: Escape from Sol, Mars and several others

Henrik Lohmander
Email: Henrik.Lohmander@Telia.com
Scenario: Carolus Gustavus

Robert A. Prucknicki (a.k.a. Field Marshal Klesh)
AVANT393@aol.com

Peter (ravagon) Rumball
peterr@prth.pgs.com

Miguel Sanahuja (aka Shaka Naldur)
miguelsana@mixmail.com

David Schowalter(aka H Tower)
david_schowalter@hotmail.com

techumseh
brison@home.com
scenarios: Russian Civil War, Prince of Darkness and several others

Harlan Thompson
scenarios: Lord of the Rings, Mongols and many others

Marko Urm
markourm@yahoo.com
scenario: The Struggle for Europe

Jorrit Vermeiren (aka Mercator)
jorrit_v@hotmail.com
Orbis Terrae (scenario) MapEdit (utility)

Shannon Walker
thewalkers3@earthlink.net

Ben Weaver (aka the Immortal Wombat)
weaver1@tinyworld.co.uk

So technicly, Editor like the one SMAC/X mix with the one in Test of Time plus some other things.

Also have the graphics open as CIv2...would like to change and add units you know same with the terrain.

Also would like to be able to add more custom Civilizations to the list of originals.

EDIT: Another thing, should be able to add new techs to the tech tree, maybe also able to add new improvements/wonders/etc...

If there is going to be a expansion, a expanded orbital satellite war from SMAC would be cool too, along with a Future Age base on some SMAC/X techs and so on. Be able to add new resources would be neet too. Either Firaxis does this, or atleast make able for others to do so. Hey, want future units like Power Armoured Infantry, Hovertanks, Battle Suits/Mobile Suits/Gundams/Gears/KBots and etc.

-LMP

[Dire Wolf]

As much as I would like to see all of what you posted above, I highly doubt that this will be added in a patch. Being a professional programmer (and having writing custom scripting languages before), a scripting language is not something you just add as an after thought to a finished product. Various hooks and interfaces need to be exposed in the actual engine in order to provide the scripts with functionality. Not to mention writing the parser, lexer, and depending on the complexity, memory manager, interpreter, maybe even a byte-code compiler etc. This is a lot of work and takes time and planning to implement.

If Civ3 has an internal scripting engine that hasn't been exposed then it might be possible to add some external interfaces to it. If it isn't there, well, I highly doubt Firaxis will spend the man-power and extra money to implement this in a patch.

On a more positive note, I could see an expansion pack having an updated Civ 3 engine. From some of Firaxis' statements, it is quite clear they intend to release an expansion pack (which you will have to buy) that could include multiplayer.

I agree that it would have been nice to see scripting capabilities along the lines of Civ2 (and the expansion packs) or CTP2. Unfortunately, unless the tech is already in the Civ3 engine, I don't see it happening. The development time and work could seriously impact their bottom-line. After all a patch is something to fix bugs. Rarely is a patch ever to add major new features.

Just don't expect so much from a simple patch.

[randomturn]

Tecumsah, you are so right on. I would have thought nearly everything you mention would have been standard. It needs to be added as soon as possible or Civ3 will have limited replayability and a much shorter shelf life than Civ2. It was the mods and scenarios that kept the fan base alive.

[Dire Wolf]

I'd guess that #2, 3, and 4 are possible. I highly doubt that you'll see #1 and #5 in a patch. You never know though, Firaxis may surprise us...

[Schnitzelnator]

Originally posted by Dire Wolf

On a more positive note, I could see an expansion pack having an updated Civ 3 engine. From some of Firaxis' statements, it is quite clear they intend to release an expansion pack (which you will have to buy) that could include multiplayer.

That would be robbery, plain and simple.

[Hoek]

I would like to sign this too.

I also think that we should be able to use some of the new features with discretion. For instance, we should be able to draw boundaries without having to place and eliminate cities where it is inconvenient. Similarly, we should be able to disable certain culture features (such as border expansion) and tweak certain economic features (set trade rates).

[Deathray]

People, haven't you noticed all of those grayed out options in the editor? I would assume that those are going to be patched in later...

[cerebros]

Not quite sure where randomturn gets this idea of no scenarios leading to lack of replayability. I bought Civ2 the day it came out and played it regularly until late last year when i bought my new PC and decided not to reinstall because i was spending too much time on Civ2. I only played a scenario once and was so underwhelmed by the whole experience i never bothered to give it another try, and i reckon there are plenty like me who find the standard game has plenty of replayability.

What i wanted from Civ3 was proper trade and diplomacy - no more having the AI players dictate the terms of any trade to me, but to be able to dictate, barter or be dictated to.

Unfortuantely, as the game hasn't been released here yet i can't say if the new additions satisfy me personally, but from what i've read so far they still haven't perfected the diplomacy...

[Typo]

Originally posted by cerebros
Not quite sure where randomturn gets this idea of no scenarios leading to lack of replayability. I only played a scenario once and was so underwhelmed by the whole experience i never bothered to give it another try

You missed out there!!!!

[Darkknight]

I'm shocked that we cant even put objects on the map. I'd like to see all you've mentioned and would like to support you. Well done in sending the letter!

[Roman]

I would like to sign this too.

[MagyarCrusader]

You can add me to the list, but for the record, **** Firaxis.


edit by markg: great way to help this cause!

[habitualuser]

The main problem is, this is an unfinished game....

The shoddy, very obviously cheating AI (rampant ICS, insta-building units, and almost totally ignoring culture, weaker computer units constanly beating my Vet/Elite FORTIFIED units, being able to build cities, units and still pumping out mad science, etc, etc)

The fact that in over a dozen games I've had Luxuries TWICE, but my neighbor always has a ton of extras (but wants half my civ in trade), rarely having more then 1 horse or iron ore square (one or the other) again while my neighbor always has 2-3 of each

That taking cities via culture is almost useless as the old owner of the city then declares war and all the foreign citizens then become unhappy (why the hell did they want to join me in the 1st place???)

The civ's you play against ARE NOT RANDOMIZED, a dozen games as Babylon, and EVERY TIME the Persian's are my neighbor... played a few other civs, but I supect that they'd always have the same neighbor...

I could go on, but it's obvious that Firaxis has joined the current trend of PC Game makers.... Release a semi-working game to meet the release date, then worry about fixing/patching later.



ps. Quickly -- what was the last game you bought that DID NOT require a patch?

[BeBro]

Good to see this thread here , an answer from a firaxian would be great...

I to would like to see the Cheat menu returned. Also a button to click on the tell the Program to Historical place all Civs on the World Map.
Thank you

Would like to be signed up too.....sure i never exactly posted any mods, scenarios and etc.... but i do make them, usually for myself only :P


If Firaxis cannot make a very good patch by Christmas, atleast by the end of January... I say people should Boycott them until they do produce a very good patch fixing atleast all of the bugs, add missing features, a better scenario editor, etc...

I say we can boycott Infrogames too...but that would be harder :P But, if they want to keep Firaxis and having survive t produce more games, they better allow Firaxis to do a good patch up as it is Infrogames fault for setting the release date, forcing Firaxis to hurry up.

We as consumers have to tell game companies to smart up, else we will boycott them and/or other things...which would make them loose money. We do have the power against them as a community, have to tell them they are to PLEASE us, not us PLEASE them by buying buggy/half made games. Rather wait a bit longer for Firaxis to properly finish the game.

If we can't do that, down with the Dictorship like Capitalism!!!

-LMP

[DinoDoc]

Put me down. Scenarios add to the replay value of the game immensely.

[yin26]

Quickly -- what was the last game you bought that DID NOT require a patch?

I never patched Heroes of Might and Magic 3, though I suppose there was one ... just never saw a need. Then again, I was just playing that game casually and didn't analyze it to death. Having said that, however, I never saw anything that ruined the game or distracted me from enjoying it.

[genghisvick]

They better release an editor similar to Civilization II or I will never buy another Firaxis product again!

[Cyanide]

Were some of you forced to buy this game? Or forced to be Civ fans? It seems to me that you must've, with the anger you're directing toward Firaxis. I agree with your message, but not with its presentation. Personally, I don't understand why the scenario design ability wasn't finished before the game came out. The game seems to be completed (although there are some AI issues which have already been discussed), but the complete package wasn't. Usually, I chalk this up to a distributor or some other higher organization applying pressure to get a product out, but I don't think that's the case here. Firaxis and Sid Meier have too strong a product record to care what somebody else like that would want, in my opinion. So what the rush was, I can't know. It also seems to me that if less time were spent on the bells and whistles, that don't really add anything other than a "gee whiz" factor (animated units, changing facial expression, etc.), more time could've been spent on creating a complete product. I have a hard time believing Firaxis would think this version of CivIII would be satisfactory to scenario-ers - since there is virtually nothing to please them at all.

However, I knew this before I bought the game, and I bought it anyway. And even if I didn't know - since I bought it just a day or two after it came out - I could've waited until I found out more. If my impatience leads me to make an uneducated decision, it's my fault, not Firaxis'. I'm not excusing an incomplete product, I'm just saying that the scenario-ers were warned some time ago. That said, I agree completely with the sentiment that a patch that addresses some of these concerns is more than warranted.

Also, if you're so mad at Firaxis as to curse their existence, don't buy any more of their products. It's that simple. They'll either get by just fine, take a hit and change their practices, or fold altogether. In any case, you won't have to put up with anything from them that you don't like. One last thing - I in no way disagree with the open letter (although I think some of the desires are unrealistic and probably won't/can't be in a patch). Just some of the complaining...

[Jaundice]

Originally posted by Deathray
People, haven't you noticed all of those grayed out options in the editor? I would assume that those are going to be patched in later...

Actually, if you click on EDIT rules, those gray choices become clickable. All you can do is edit the existing game, but not create totally new games altogther.

-JD

[TresXF]

a similar editor like in smac would be adequate. a good manual for the editor would make things easier, too.

[Grim Legacy]

I'd like to 'sign' this letter too. It brings out the most crucial points. Sad to realize I've abandoned Civ2 scenario making in the past waiting for the glory Civ3 would bring. On this account it has not delivered.

I was active a long time ago in the scenario community. Greets to everyone who can remember.

El Khan

[Jay Bee]

I do, you were one of the 'father founders' of Sleague. Whee have you been all this time? And why did you change your handle?

I am not angry and it is mainly Infrogames fault for setting the release date... just that Firaxis better be working on a patch, else the game won't last aslong as Civ2, or even aslong as SMAC/X.

After making SMAC/X, we darn know what Firaxis can do, but Civ3 does seem sloppy in comparison. Civ3 manual is not as detailed as the SMAC manual.

In the meantime, i am having fun playing and not problems which others complained about bothered me yet.

-LMP

[sgrig]

I would just like to remind everyone that original Civ2 had hardly any scenario tools (like events) - they were only introduced in a later expansion pack (Conflicts in Civ, I think).

So I think we just have to be a bit more patient for more advanced scenario tools. By not providing everything in the first version of the game the developers hot two birds with one stone -the game can be released earlier, and most players will buy the expansion pack - so that's extra profit.

[Grim Legacy]

Originally posted by Jay Bee
I do, you were one of the 'father founders' of Sleague. Whee have you been all this time? And why did you change your handle?

Yes indeed. But you changed your handle a bit too.

Civ-wise, I've been lurking a little, playing a little SMAC, not liking it too much though. Not to mention CtP lol.

I had more or less planned to re-enter with the advent of Civ3. Too bad we're greeted with these scenario-related disappointments.

I'm not sure whether I even have an old account on these forums, I think they changed the Bulletin Board system. Maybe Markos or Dan can tell me?

[Faboba]

Put me down as well ( Duncan Crowe )

With this to add :

1 : We need the ability to set start locations for specific civs ( vital for map making )

2 : We need the caps removed or at least extended for civs, improvements and units we can add. Or at least it made easier to reach the current ones. As far as anyone knows the cap for civs is 32 but the highest anyones been able to reach so faris 21 AFAIK ( using Gramphos' excellent utility )

[Deathray]

Firaxis have said that they are going to finish the editor later. I believe the excuse was that they weren't going to delay the whole game for something that doesn't really affect the gameplay (and lets face it, the game has lots of longevity without an editor).

Also, the person who said that the game was shoddy and clearly rushed out, I have to disagree. The AI is simply very skillful. It does cheat in that it has bonuses or penalties to production of shields, food and commerce/trade/whatever depending on the difficulty level, but it does not do the other cheats that you have mentioned, the combat is done fairly. I have seen very few unlikely combat results in my two games so far. Also, the resources are done fairly evenly. The computer's diplomacy skills are also quite good, if not very realistic.