v3.0 Update - New Map Generation
One of the most obvious changes to GalCiv IV v3.0 will be how maps are generated. The initial philosophy in GalCiv IV was that a given sector would have a uniform star layout with the strategic points being handled by sector layout. As time has gone on, it’s become apparent that most (>90%) players play with a single sector. This has made us revisit how maps are generated for v3.0. Now, a single sector can have its stars “clustered” within it. This would be a real problem, though, because lots of empty space is boring to move across. This is solved by having subspace streams that now exist within a sector called “Hyperlanes” which connect different clumps of stars to each other, giving a strategic hardpoint. Hyperlanes are generated at the start of the game and are unlocked with Subspace streams (which makes that tech interesting, even on a map with only a single sector). We also are planning to let players who have the Megastructures DLC build their own hyperlanes. Let’s take a look at how a MEDIUM sized map with OCCASIONAL stars at start currently appears:

