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Building a World to Rule

Feb 19, 2024

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Image for Base map generation

Greetings, strategists!

In my first dev blog, I introduced the visual foundations of Empires and Embers. Today, I'm diving into the landscapes where your empires will rise and fall – let's talk map generation!

Shaping Your Battleground

Maps are more than a backdrop; they directly impact strategic choices. In Empires and Embers, I want to avoid predictable, 'samey' campaigns. My solution? Procedural generation to offer variety that adapts to your unique playstyle.

Foundations: My Hexagonal Terrain

As you know, Empires and Embers uses a hexagonal tile system. This offers tactical depth while maintaining visual clarity. But generating a hex map alone isn't enough! I want distinct biomes, natural features, and a sense of history built into the terrain itself.

Crafting Believable Landscapes

Here's what's currently driving my generation efforts:

Challenges and Choices

Procedural generation isn't without its hurdles, but I believe it adds immense value to Empires and Embers:

The Road Ahead

My next stage is bringing strategic resources into play – fertile valleys prime for expansion, mineral-rich chokepoints worth fighting over... Distribution of these resources adds another exciting layer to the generation process.

Share Your Views!

Do you crave the element of surprise in procedurally generated maps? What landscape features are most crucial to you in a strategy game? Let me know in the comments, your feedback is incredibly valuable!

Get Ready to Conquer!

Keep an eye out for future dev blogs, where I'll delve into AI factions, combat mechanics, and more. May your strategic brilliance guide your Empire to greatness!