When is this game coming, and is it coming to GOG? I really hope so! I played the demo of E&D 2 and it was pretty cool! It definitely needs a lot more depth added though (in my opinion), but if Niels gives the same treatment he gave to Smuggler V to the next E&D game, that will be an instant purchase from me!

Have any of you guys played that game?

I have not, though it does look like fun. Still, I trust GOG more than most places to buy games from.

You can download the demo over on Niels Bauer's website. I'd say give it a shot. It's a cool game, but like I said, I feel it needs much more depth added to be on par with Smugglers V. It's a very "light" game, if you know what I mean. More casual than hardcore.

Make it hardcore, Niels! We want depth, depth and more depth :D

Go watch this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SI4Gs9Gt2Iw

It's a design show about games, and it's about what you were saying. As for this game...well, Smugglers could use a real story. Something like an adventure plot. Basically have a planet, either one of the Capitals or somewhere in the game, begin a multi map spanning adventure, with choices to make that the game sort of remembers, like on a Morality scale, with a final battle included that then ends the plot, giving you either a special skill not on the trees, or just otherwise a finish to the story.

Smugglers V could use a real story, that would be awesome. I could think of some other things it could use. How about a stats system that you can fiddle with when you level up? Or passive abilities that give you special command bonuses on your ship.

I also suggested a stats system for E&D 2, because that game is too light on the RPG elements. I love that it has an inventory, and equippable weapons, but when you level up it's always the same. Nothing special really happens. That game could also use an in-depth skill tree, and the ability to level up higher than level 8. Also, a character creation and the ability to take that character through all the scenarios and level them up along the way. Now THAT would be awesome.

In my opinion, E&D just isn't there yet. It's on the right path, but it just needs a bit more to really make it engaging long-term.

Great video you posted, by the way. I enjoyed it. Thanks!

At this time I am concentrating on Smugglers 5, but I always liked working on the Empires & Dungeons and TV Manager series. GOG is evaluating whether to add it to their portfolio. I haven´t heard back yet.

A dynamic storyline is something I am envisioning for a future sequel (not in work yet, just talking). At the beginning of the game the player should be able to define the storyline by answering a couple of questions or putting some story icons on specific fields (e.g.: "daughter" story icon put on the "family" field, "Enslavement" on the "conflict" field etc.). The game is supposed to generate a dynamic storyline based on this input and some randomness. The idea is that every background story is different each time you start a new game. Obviously this requires a lot of text and will really be one of the major features of a new game (yes, I know, I am going to change the interface in an sequel, promised. :) ).

Sounds incredible!

I am eagerly awaiting a pimped out version of E&D, though. Hopefully you can find time to make that series as great as Smugglers, because the potential is definitely there, it just needs more. Anyway, good luck with all your future projects and thanks for the great games!