Hello! It's time for a quick update on the development of TFC, specifically the Milestone 3 (M3) update!

The M3 release is delayed

Unfortunately, for several reasons, we will have to delay the release of M3. Chief among them is that we want to get it right. We want to make sure it works well and fits with our vision for this update and the "TFC DNA". Those who have followed TFC for a while know that integral to our process is the careful and meticulous iteration on features and design ideas. This means that we can't release M3 by the end of Q1 2023, despite the roadmap, and we apologise for any disappointment. Having said that, we are confident that this will benefit the release when it is ready and that you all will be happier for it long term! We cannot commit to a release yet, but we will let you know that we have most of the work done already. In fact, we've been working on M3 since before M2 was released last year. In the meantime, here's a little bit of info on M3:

An important update for TFC

For us, M3 is a very important update, as it's when we finally introduce multiple playable factions. Multiple playable factions are often one of the pillars of RTS games, as it provides asymmetrical gameplay, added variety and depth, and more content to learn and master. It's a moment we, as developers, have waited patiently for a long time ourselves! It's also a chance for us to implement an idea we've had for a long time, which has to do with how you select your playable Bronze Age civilization. We'll talk more about the specifics later, but at least we can say that we're very excited about this! It's a feature that we think fits perfectly with the "TFC DNA".

3 Playable Bronze Age Civilizations

In the next milestone update, there will be 3 playable Bronze Age civilizations. Each of these will have unique looks for all their military units and buildings.
One of the new playable Bronze Age civilizations. Exactly what these Bronze Age civilizations are named and what are unique to them will be revealed closer to the M3 release. However, we can tell that they have unique technologies, buildings, and wonder bonuses, that benefit them in a focused direction, like growing and defending a large population or expanding and taking map control.
A unique building for one of the new playable Bronze Age civilizations.

New Technology Tree

We're implementing a new Tech Tree from the ground up that, while still looking familiar, will provide us with more space in the UI for additional technologies. We're also improving in-game descriptions to make it easier to make connections between terminology and UI elements.

New and re-designed technologies

• 8 completely new technologies
• 5 existing technologies are being completely re-redesigned

The Wonder is more important

In M3, the Wonder will provide unique faction-based bonuses that increase for each stage you construct.
You'll be able to construct the Wonder in Horde Mode as well to utilise these bonuses. Reaching the last stage won't win you the game, though, but it does increase the bonus further.
Since the Wonder becomes more important, how many stages you've constructed will be a part of the resources UI in M3.

And more...

Expect the usual compilation of general improvements, improved Skirmish AI, balance changes, etc. We're grateful for the excitement around M3. Please know that we're not taking it for granted. We can't wait to share with you the rest of all the new ideas, designs and improvements that we've created for M3! - Team TFC

[ 2023-03-15 23:02:19 CET ] [ Original post ]