Ideas for the next alpha... uh, I mean beta - and spicing up the game's content

[Sturm]

Currently, 0 A.D. features 14 playable civilizations: Athenians, Britons, Carthaginians, Gauls, Han, Iberians, Kushites, Macedonians, Mauryas, Persians, Ptolemies, Republican Romans, Seleucids, and Spartans. Of these, nine are European (Athenians, Britons, Carthaginians, Gauls, Iberians, Macedonians, Republican Romans, Seleucids, and Spartans), two are Asian (Han and Mauryas), and two are African (Kushites and Ptolemies). At this time, the game does not include any American civilizations.

It is long overdue for 0 A.D. to introduce at least one civilization from the Americas. The game does a fantastic job of representing ancient cultures across Europe, Asia, and Africa, but it lacks a crucial element of world history: the civilizations that thrived in the Americas during antiquity. The inclusion of an American civilization would not only add diversity to the game but also introduce unique gameplay mechanics and architectural styles inspired by pre-Columbian societies.

Several civilizations from the Americas around the 1st century could be great candidates for 0 A.D.. The Maya had already begun forming city-states with impressive architecture and sophisticated governance. The Zapotecs of Monte Albán in present-day Mexico had a thriving society with writing, trade networks, and military advancements. The Moche civilization of Peru was developing large ceremonial centers and a warrior-based society. Any of these could offer a fresh and historically rich addition to the game, making the world of 0 A.D. even more immersive and representative of ancient global civilizations.

[Sturm]

And more specifically - why not start with Brazil?

When people think of ancient civilizations, they often picture grand stone cities and vast armies, and Brazilian indigenous groups around the 1st century don’t immediately come to mind. But here’s the thing: there were thriving, complex societies in the region, and some of them would make fantastic additions to the game. Take the Marajoara culture, for example. These people lived on Marajó Island and were anything but primitive. They built organized settlements, developed sophisticated agriculture, and produced some of the most intricate pottery in the pre-Columbian Americas. Imagine the stunning visual designs that could come from their artistic legacy!

Another great candidate would be the Santarém culture (also known as the Tapajó people), who lived at the confluence of the Amazon and Tapajós rivers. They created elaborate ceramic art, had fortified villages, and developed complex social structures. And if you’re looking for a warrior society, the Tupi-Guarani peoples were already expanding across Brazil at the time, building palisaded villages and engaging in fierce territorial conflicts - perfect for a strategy game.

Of course, the biggest challenge would be the lack of written records from these civilizations. But that’s where archaeology, anthropology, and even collaboration with indigenous communities could come in. There’s enough historical and material evidence to create a compelling and respectful interpretation of these societies, just like you’ve done with others in 0 A.D..

[Stan`]

The Zapotecs have already a complete mod IIRC.