[Suggestion] Random universe

[Max Bain]

I just had the idea of a random universe option at the start of the game. After the 10th or more game start, I think it becomes a bit boring that you know the exact positions of the sectors, where the wharfs are and what race lives in what sector.
So why not add an option like in many other games (Civilization for example) where you can let the game generate the universe by some parameters.

For example the player could define

• how many systems the universe has
• how many xenon factions exists
• how many empty sectors exists
• how many sectors each race has at start (maybe individual per race)
• which race/faction exists (so people who just want to fight against one other faction can do this)
• how much the stations are spread apart inside each sector
• how many stations each race has at start (maybe even individual for each type)
• how many ships each race has at start (none, very few, some, a lot)
• how many Asteroids
• how many pirate factions
• diplomatic relations (random, like vanilla or individual)

Each parameter should be settable with a MIN MAX value, so you can set a random factor.

People with slow PCs could then just generate a very small universe and in 10 years we can increase the size to 1000 starsystems .

I know, this wont come in the near future and maybe never, but I think it would be an awesome addition to the replayability of the game. What do you think Ego?

[Jerry85]

Are you sure yozu wanted to start this topic in the german forum?

In general, this sounds nice but i think this is more an idea for a Mod or a future X.

BR Jerry

[Max Bain]

Oh you are right, thx... can a mod please move it to the correct section?

I think that it should be in the base game because everyone would benefit from it. Also it might be very difficult to implement if you can only do it from outside.

[eXalt!]

+1, Would pay for that DLC 100%.

but it's not going to happen IMO, because of the lore conflicts it would rise, the ammount of work, etc.

[Karvat]

I think egosoft should consider this option better, a random universe with defined settings would take this already incredible game to an even higher level:
If I play X4 just for the sake of exploring space, unfortunately the exploration ends soon right now. And although the universe will be bigger in the future (and I really want it), once you have explored everything, the sectors and races that populate them at the beginning of the game are always the same.

[Matthew94]

I think it'd be nice for a fun option. Nothing fancy, just randomly seed stations/ships about various sectors and give the player a bunch of cash. Maybe a few sliders to select how strong the enemy (xenon, khaak) are.

It doesn't have to be balanced. Just list it as experimental and say "you may die, ohhhhhh", to ward off complaints.

[Buzz2005]

some moders probably have this kind of starts, there is a cheat mod that can spawn all you want, you just need a start with empty sector

[vadiolive]

I not care much lore wise , and endorse this idea to default or mod
however dont forget fews things egosoft alred made dynamic station and locations

[Panos]

I think it'd be nice for a fun option. Nothing fancy, just randomly seed stations/ships about various sectors and give the player a bunch of cash. Maybe a few sliders to select how strong the enemy (xenon, khaak) are.

It doesn't have to be balanced. Just list it as experimental and say "you may die, ohhhhhh", to ward off complaints.

WeritGaming Youtuber did that with the all out war start.
Asked him to make a video about were those values are as they control the strength (and difficulty) of the various factions and especially Xenon as they were taking over the map fast.

Maybe if more people ask him to make such video about his start we might see someone making a 3rd party software to create custom starts with sliders and values which would affect a new game.

[Nort The Fragrent]

Unless you suggest bigger guns, Es will not understand you !

There have been so many good ideas over the years, and look at how big the guns are now!

So please Es give us bigger guns,

I said that as I know that will be like a moth to a flame for them.

Sorry if we get even bigger guns, My Bad.

[alexthespaniard]

I just had the idea of a random universe option at the start of the game. After the 10th or more game start, I think it becomes a bit boring that you know the exact positions of the sectors, where the wharfs are and what race lives in what sector.
So why not add an option like in many other games (Civilization for example) where you can let the game generate the universe by some parameters.

For example the player could define

• how many systems the universe has
• how many xenon factions exists
• how many empty sectors exists
• how many sectors each race has at start (maybe individual per race)
• which race/faction exists (so people who just want to fight against one other faction can do this)
• how much the stations are spread apart inside each sector
• how many stations each race has at start (maybe even individual for each type)
• how many ships each race has at start (none, very few, some, a lot)
• how many Asteroids
• how many pirate factions
• diplomatic relations (random, like vanilla or individual)

Each parameter should be settable with a MIN MAX value, so you can set a random factor.

People with slow PCs could then just generate a very small universe and in 10 years we can increase the size to 1000 starsystems .

I know, this wont come in the near future and maybe never, but I think it would be an awesome addition to the replayability of the game. What do you think Ego?

+1

[Axeface]

I really dont think generic is the direction this game needs to head in, the opposite is the case in my opinion - forcing a random universe would firmly move me away from the X games indefinately. I think X4 should head in the direction of Rebirth where each sector is carefully curated and designed (or another example is the extra depth and care Sol got in X3, which kinda stands out).
If its simple to impliment it could be an option, but there needs to be an artist designed universe that is set out due to lore etc.

[mr.WHO]

I share the same opinion as Axeface.

It might be boring to play in the same universe every time, but to me proceduraly generated universe game become boring even faster (wide as an ocean, shallow like a puddle).

Go watch the recent XLOG videos from Egosoft to see how serious issue this would be.


IMO something much smaller and doable would be randomly generated sector or System/Cluster - this would be something like unfocussed jump drive sector in X3.

Example:
Malfunctioning gate link to new cluster. However periodically this gate disconnect (everything in that cluster is lost) and connect to new area. This would work very well as plot with research to extend and finally control this gate connection (e.g. you roll with the cluster you really like and decide to settle there pernamently).

[Waltz99]

I don't know where I heard or read it but I believe X4 staff already announced that random sectors is not going to happen.

The game is already very complicated to maintain for them. also this will have effect on performance and time to save a game.
In the XLog 3 you can hear why this would affect the game much more. They don't state anything about random sectors there but they do talk about save games and performance.