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Date: May 20 1999 19:07:07 EDT
From: Apolyton Announcements (Apolyton Civilization Site)
Subject: Apolyton&Friends News 13-19/May/99


Grettings everyone,

Before anything, I would like to say that the Apolyton&Friends newletter
is also open to smac and ctp sites. To be included mail Dustin Dunn at
dustind@concentric.net

This the news of the civ world for the week of May 13-19

The big news of the week are of course the announcement that Firaxis and
Hasbro will produce Sid Meier's Civilization III(!!!) and the first CTP
patch. (yes, a new section!) (new civ3 forums) (ctp patch)


let's take it from the start
----------------------------
**Civilization III Section

SID INTERVIEWED
(May 19, 1999) Sid Meier was interviewed by Gaming Entertainment Monthly a
few days ago on, what else, CivIII! Certainly interesting to listen, it's
in mp3 format and you can listen to it from our server (right click &
select "Save To Disk" if left click doesn't work) or GEM's.

200 POSTS/DAY
(May 19, 1999) Since Sunday, when we opened our civ3 section and
transformed the "Suggestions for Civ3" forum to the first civ3 forum on
the web after the official announcement, more than 1000 messages were
posted! This average of 200 posts/day forced us to make a new civ3 forum,
specifically for the needs of the List, the project to collect the civers'
ideas and send them to Firaxis.
Speaking of the List, it is right to give credit to the "Thread Masters"
the team who collects this info on the forums: Yin, Mindlace, Ming,
Redleg, Pythagoras, Jeje, evil-conquerer, Frank Moore, Shining1, don Don,
tfs99, DanS, Bell, Octopus, JT and EnochF. Don't be fooled with the big
number of people, help is needed. If you're interested, contact
Yin(namk26@hotmail.com).

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
(May 18, 1999) The official press release was passed along to us by a
representative of Firaxis today; it is the "official notification" that
CivIII will soon be under development. We reproduce it, entitled "Hasbro
Interactive and FIRAXIS Games Announce Partnership to Create 'Sid Meier's
Civilization III' CD-ROM Game; Original Civilization Team is Reunited to
Develop New Strategy Game".

THE LIST
(May 17, 1999) The CivIII suggestions have started to fall like rain with
Yin26, along with Pythagoras, JT and Jeje2 gathering a list of suggestions
to produce. The list will be sent to Firaxis, a company which has proven
it is always open to ideas from fans. More people are needed to make this
project a success, so if you can and want to help out in the creation of
the list or simply give your CivIII ideas, we'd love to hear from you!
Just head over to our CivIII forum and let your wishes be known!

WE'RE OPEN!
(May 16, 1999) We're happy to announce a dream come true, a civ3 section!
We know it may seem a bit early, but we think there is a need for
something like that, hoping to help a little in making the civ game of our
dreams. You might want to check out the "About" page, as well as our
"transformed" Civilization 3 Forum.

CIVILIZATION III!!!
(May 15, 1999) It's finally true! Hasbro announced yesterday an agreement
with Firaxis to work on Sid Meier's Civilization III! CivIII will be
designed by Firaxis and published by Hasbro. The development will begin
in the next few months.
Hasbro Interactive's president, Tom Dusenberry made the announcement
today, grandly calling the upcoming Sid Meier's Civilization III "the most
significant game of all time". Dusenberry then introduced fellow HI
employee Tony Parks, a man little known to most gamers but who worked with
the "Firaxis Three" when they were all back at MicroProse. He's the man
given the credit for making Civ III a reality, and was nothing short of
beaming as he introduced the first of the Firaxis Three, Jeff Briggs. He
states that EA was willing to let Firaxis work with Hasbro on Civ III.
Briggs, in turn, gives the floor to Brian Reynolds, who was the talent
behind Civilization II and Alpha Centauri. He addresses the question, why
Civ III? His answers basically boil down to one, the fans want it and two,
there are things in the first two games that they feel they can flesh out.
Then Sid Meier takes the podium and this is where you learn that the
wheels have just started to roll!

It soon became apparent that Civ III isn't the only announcement of the
day, for Meier discusses their idea for something they are calling the
Sweep of Time Trilogy. This set of three games will include SMAC, Civ III,
and a third as-yet unannounced title, all covering the entirety of human
history (and future). What's more, while each is a stand alone title (and
of course SMAC is already out), when combined into the trilogy you'll be
able to carry over from one game to another!! While they won't talk about
it, a source within EA hints that they will be publishing whatever this
title is, and says that Meier will be designing this new title while
Reynolds will be in charge of Civ III. So, when can we expand this grand
trio? Reynolds only committed to saying "sometime early in the third
millennium." Hopefully they will narrow it down a bit in the coming weeks.

For more information, you can check our source articles at Gamespot and
Computer Games Online. We told you E3 was going to be exciting for all of
us Civ fans, didn't we?
As we wait for more news, stop by our now more important than ever
"Suggestions for Civ3" Forum. Many thanks to Jimgo & Kevin Yang for the
note. ?article=/articles/020/005/civ3_e3.html">


----------------------------
**Civilization II Section

HAPPY CASHIERS
(May 16, 1999) Last month must have made some some happy cashiers at
Microprose and MacSoft. The reason: sales of each company's "CivII Gold"
(for the PC and Mac respectively) were high in April, according to the PC
Data list for the US. The PC version of CivII: Multiplayer Gold Edition
was offered at bargain box price of $22 and grabbed the 14th spot in the
PC Games list. Meanwhile, the Mac version (with a $48 pricetag) in its
first month in the stores reached captured 5th place on the Mac list.

FRONT AND CENTER @ E3
(May 14, 1999) If you're an avid Civer, you're probably feeling the bite
of the lack of profile for Civilization titles at this year's E3
Entertainment Expo being held in Los Angeles, CA. In fact, you may be
wondering if there is even any reason for to pay any never mind to this
year's Expo. Well, fret no longer! Hasbro Interactive's new lineup of
MicroProse strategy titles for 1999 were unveiled yesterday at E3. Leading
the pack is, surprise surprise, Civilization II: Test of Time! Here's what
Computer Games Online had to say about it.
"Civilization II: Test of Time, which is expected to debut this summer, is
a return to familiar ground for MicroProse. Test of Time features new
graphics and brand new worlds to explore and conquer. Three worlds are
featured in Test of Time. The original Civilization II, the magical world
of Midgard, and the solar system of Lalande 21185. Players interact in
multiple dimensions through linked, layered worlds, and battle it out in
the tradition of the game series. The game features different modes of
play including Fantasy, Science Fiction and the refined Civilization II.
As in previous games, players can build societies based on the principles
of democracy or rule with an iron fist. Players compete against the game's
AI or up to seven other players".
More to come as more develops! ?article=/articles/019/185/microprose_strategy_e3.html">

*Site Updates
16.May MGE and TOT pages open.
15.May Column #41; By DanQ; News archived. MP List removed.
14.May Almost 30 existing files added in Database. Menu re-arranged

No Worries For SMAC
--(17 May 1999) Brian Reynolds announced the CivIII agreement on the
newsgroups and also answered some "of the most obvious and burning
questions", in his own words, on how this affects SMAC as well as the
publishing agreemnt with EA.
(1) Yes, many of the important strong points of Alpha Centauri will (where
appropriate) be incorporated into Civ3, so don't worry your little (big?)
heads about that. :-)
(2) Yes, we're still working on Alpha Centauri upgrades, expansions, etc.
In fact, as Sid announced last night, we see Alpha Centauri and the Civ
1-2-3 series as two members of a broader Sid Meier "Sweep of Time" trilogy
we want to create; wherein your actions and success in one game can affect
your situation in the next. We'll talk about the third,
yet-to-be-announced, member of the trilogy later.
(3) Yes, we will be working with both Hasbro/Microprose and EA as
publishers of our various products.
(4) Yes, we have some really exciting ideas about how to make Civ 3 the
best turn-based strategy game yet.
As for CivIII, see our CivIII section and post your suggestions on our
reformated similarly titled forum.

Not Such A Good Month
--(17 May) PC Data released their Top Selling lists for the month of
April. In i's third month on the market, SMAC dropped from the 3rd
position to the 17th. We're wondering if the recent announcement of CivIII
and the "Sweep of Time", the trilogy containing SMAC, CivIII and a third
(as of yet untitled) game after CivIII, will boost sales upwards...

*Site Updates
17 May 1999: New files: Australia-The Scenario, Apocalypse Scenario, map
of Australia.

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED
(May 19) The first CTP patch (v1.0) is finally here! Not much more is
needed to be said, except to get it here. Read the complete readme file
and the new editor readme file. It will not only update the English
versions of CTP, but it will also update the previously released Beta
version of the Map Editor. Note: This patch isn't for the Linux port
(Loki will be producing that sometime in the near future), nor is it for
the German, French, Italian, or Spanish PC versions of CTP -- they will be
released shortly.

THE VALUE OF SCHOOL
(May 18) Another Tuesday comes a new article in the Developer's Corner.
This week, William Westwater explains how the role of our academic
instutions is vital.

LAST WEEK'S SALES
(May 18) More sales lists from PC Data. For the week of May 2-8, CTP
dropped from the 3rd position to the 4th, again behind SC3000. The first
two places were taken from Baldur's Gate: Tales Of Sword Coast Add On
($27) and Roller Coaster Tycoon (only $24).

HOW SOON IS "SOON"?
(May 17) Activision made a short announcement on the official CTP page
about the progress of the patch. The Civ: CTP patch is still undergoing
quality assurance testing, but we expect to release it soon. How soon is
"soon", we don't know...

THE PERFECT POSITION
(May 17) What's the best position one can have in a Sales List? CTP was
the #1 selling game in it's first month, taking the spot from SC3000. CTP
was also notably 6th in the All-Categories list.

FAQs FROM LOKI
(May 16) Loki has published two support FAQs for its users of the Linux
port of CTP. Here is the Technical version, which is an accompaniment to
their General one. Both were last updated just yesterday!

LINUX VERSION IS SHIPPING
(May 14) It's true! The Linux port of CTP, produced by Loki Entertainment,
is now shipping from Game Cellar, and no doubt other distributors will
soon have their store shelves lined with it. Considering not only the
treasured Civilization genre history, but also the fact that this is the
first commercially available Linux game on the market, they're sure to
sell like hot cakes! Our thanks to Natas for the note!

EUROPEAN AVAILABILITY
(May 14) With CTP for the Linux platform now out in North America, it's
only a matter of time until it hits the European stores. SuSE issued the
following important statement on their website just yesterday:
"The agreement covers all European countries... the first big European
retailer to pre-order Civilization: Call to Power through SuSE is Media
Markt, a German retailer with 30 percent market share, according to Roland
Dyroff, chief executive officer of SuSE GmbH. Lots of other retail outlets
that will sell the game in Europe can be found at. The European distribution agreement is
effective immediately".

WHEN I DIAL THE TELEPHONE
(May 14) Our thanks to Sascha & Paul for publishing their guideline to
direct dial-up games in CTP on our forums, and we have reproduced them.

*Site Updates
19.May 7 Existing, new and updated files in Database.
18.May Third article in "Developer's Corner".
13.May New and updated Civs & MODs.

5/19/99: Because of the recent revival of interest for Civilization III
following the announcement of the co-working of Hasbro and Firaxis, I have
decided to re-open the CIVILIZATION III SUGGESTIONS site that was
previously shut down. It is now 100% functional once again after several
months of passiveness, and you can add your own suggestions to the list by
mailing them to A.Hofelt@exeter.ac.uk.
5/15/99: Check out the new Civilization Poems page!
5/15/99: Allard H?felt, this site's co-webmaster, has recieved the
prestigious Silver Fleece Medal from the Spanish Civilization II site.
Why? "Both your site and scenarios were quite inspiring". I wish to thank
the Spanish Civ II site very much for this honour; my first award :-) !


----------------------------
**HAC(hosted site)

SCENARIO DESIGN CONTEST STARTS! APR.16
Ladies and gentlemen, Hodadian Award Central is proud to present.... the
Second Scenario Design Contest! The official page can now be found here.
As many Apolytoners probably know, this contest's theme is Earth 3000. You
will find many things on the site, including the official rules, supplies
needed and suggested to enter, and a page where you will be able to
download submissions as they come in! So, without further interruption,
may the contest start!


================================
Here are the updates of small Civ sites this week

Mr Temba's

05/12/99
- New Section! Scenario Supplies are here to help scenario makers
construct a masterpiece. Also the Enemy of God Beta Test section has been
updated, now there are two parts to play. Soon Part 3 will be up. Also be
sure to click on the picture above and vote for this site
to be a Civ 2 Top Site.

05/13/99
- Added a section about the coming Scenario Design Contest Also added the
4000 AD mod to the CTP Mods Section.

05/14/99
- Updated the scenario contest page with corrected information and news
about the last contest. Menelink II by Blackclove and Revolt of Alpujarras
by Jesus Munoz Fernandez are up in the Best on Net.

05/15/99
- New Scenario in Best on Net, Mexico by Jesus Balisinde (god I cannot
spell that name). You might have noticed that Allard and Andrews has a
page for Civ poems? Well I got somethin even better! The Civ Song! Ha!
Take that A+A! :). Added a link to Nick Clarks Utopian World and
Reorganized the Links so that they are now alphabetical.

05/17/99
- Small update, added the new and improved L Gov Mod (with AI FILES!) and
the Felanticians mod to the mod page. Added the call to edit (now hosted
by sidgames) to the ctp links


--------------------------
The Civ2 Scenario Center


05/15/99
- WW3 scenario by Mathias Baumann added.
- Ran a spell check :-)


--------------------------
Mike's Civ2 Scenarios

5/12/99
- Updates to the Shannara preview. There are screenshots of Chapters 1-4
up now.

05/15/99
- A new map, Cleggworld, was added. The second scenario design competition
has begun! Go to the contest section and click on the link.

05/16/99
- Link added to the Utopian World.


--------------------------
Ultimate Civilization II Scenarios and Maps Site

05/15/99
- Alpujarras Scenario added, made by Jesús Muñoz.

- Winter War 1939 Progress: The map of Finland almost done, I have done 10
new units. The title.gif image is finish to. I don't think Winter War 1939
will be finished before June.
Maybe later.

================================


That was all for this week, ladies and gentlemen

Until next time
Markos Giannopoulos - markg@apolyton.net
Apoylton Civilization Site - apolyton.net