How AI Helped Shape the New Visual Update

For the latest Rise of Civilizations: Idle update, I used AI tools as part of the development workflow.

The main goal was to improve the visual identity of each historical era. I generated and refined new era artwork and item images with AI assistance, then integrated them into the game manually. This helped each era feel more distinct, from early farming villages to bronze mines, industrial factories, digital networks and the Space Age.

AI was also useful during iteration: I tested different visual directions, compared how the artwork looked inside the mobile UI, and adjusted the game based on screenshots and feedback.

The gameplay itself is still designed and balanced manually. I recently reworked the progression curve so the first era remains quick and welcoming, while later eras take longer and make reaching the Space Age feel more meaningful.

AI did not replace the development process, but it helped speed up visual exploration and polish. More updates will continue as I improve the game after release.