Every 4X game we’ve made going all the way back to the beginning we try different ways of researching new technologies.  Galactic Civilizations I and II both originally had very different research systems.

The one in Elemental we have in the beta we don’t like so we’re going to be making pretty radical changes to it in the upcoming builds.

Here are some of the key elements that we WILL be making more of a focus in keeping:

1. Infinite techs. That is, the tech tree doesn’t end. There’s always a new tech being generated once you reach the “end” of the official techs.
2. Random techs. Techs that aren’t in every game that add spice to the game world.
3. Situational techs.  Techs that show up because certain in-game criteria are met.

So stay tuned on that.