New Release date

[Modo44]

Originally posted by CyberShy
Remember that even with a fairly easy game as chess it's barely possible to build a computer that can beat a human player.

That is a double-edged sword, though. Chess is simple, therefore all decisions matter a lot. On the other hand, small mistakes can be overcome in games like Civ, if the overall strategy is good. Note that the AI is already considerably better in Civ3 than it was in previous games.

Not perfect, but at least somewhat challenging at the "even" (no bonuses to the human nor to the AI) Regent level. This seems weird, but the complexity of the game actually allows rather simple algorithms (like: build many Settlers fast) to work. So, since the graphics will be crappy and music non-existent , I think the AI can and will be fine-tuned to challenge the player.

The next step would be to make the AI learn, but I think we will have to wait for Civ5 (or SMAC 2 ) for that to happen.

[The Templar]

Originally posted by curtsibling
My guess is the publishing people will aim for the xmas release...That makes sense.

No, no. Definitely released after blitzball season. Nobody will care about Civ4 while the Luca Goers are still playing for the cup.

[Vince278]

Originally posted by The Templar
No, no. Definitely released after blitzball season. Nobody will care about Civ4 while the Luca Goers are still playing for the cup.

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Locutus
Normally I consider it arrogant when people quote themselves, but in this case I'll make an exception

Didn't he say that it was an email from the publisher?

I would like to be on that list.

[Joseph]

Dear EBgames.com Customer,

Thanks for pre-ordering from EBgames.com! As an added benefit to ordering from us, we’ll keep you informed of ship date changes. We are writing to let you know that we have changed the projected ship date for Civilization IV PC to 11/1/2005. The publisher did not provide us with a specific date so this is our best estimate only and should not be considered firm. We will update this date again as we receive new information. As always, EBgames.com will not charge your credit card until we ship your order.

To check the status of your order, please visit https://www.ebgames.com/ebx/myaccoun...us/default.asp

If you need further assistance, you can reply to this e-mail or give us a call at 1-877-432-9675 (internationally at 1-702-614-1570). We're here seven days a week from 8:00 AM to Midnight (EST).

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Best Regards,

EBgames.com Customer Service Team



About release dates:

EBgames.com works tirelessly with game publishers to ensure accurate release dates on our site. Occasionally, publishers decide to delay production to improve quality or add new features. Sometimes dates move forward; more often they move back and frequently they get changed more than once.

If a game is scheduled for release far in the future, the publisher may not even give us a date. In those cases we rely on the collective wisdom of our buying staff to estimate a date based on their knowledge of the industry and the publisher's history.

We guarantee that we will always post the best information provided by publishers. We know that you want that hot new game yesterday and we want to be the company that gets it to you quicker than anyone else.

Here is what I received.

[notyoueither]

Oh. So it wasn't from 2K. Oh well.

[Vince278]

In those cases we rely on the collective wisdom of our buying staff to estimate a date based on their knowledge of the industry and the publisher's history.

Insert your own release date joke below.

_____________________________________

[Footballgod128]

i hope it comes out after christmas, thatll make the game about 10 times better, cause before christmas and you know theyll be rushing it....

[Brundlefly]

Originally posted by Footballgod128
i hope it comes out after christmas, thatll make the game about 10 times better, cause before christmas and you know theyll be rushing it....

Yeah but they have us expecting to receive about 3 patches, so part of the project planning was to leave some of the actual development to be included as "enhancements" in patches..

[Shogun Gunner]

I think DrSpike should run one of his contests to guess the date. "When will Civ4 be released?"

Paging DrSpike, paging DrSpike, to the Civ4 List Forum -- STAT.

[DrSpike]

/me appears.

I think that would be a great idea Shogun. I'll PM MarkG to see if we can get a 'Poly t-shirt or something as a prize.

[Shogun Gunner]

Great, when we start picking release dates, I'll select the Friday immediately following Thanksgiving, Nov 25, 2005.

Wow, DrSpike, you are omni-present -- just like a Diety

[Robert]

November 11th

[Modo44]

Originally posted by CyberShy
November 11th

2006. And no patches, please.

[DrSpike]

Just to clarify, exact dates will be required.