Hey, eXplorminate fans!
I am writing to inform you of some changes that eXplorminate is implementing.
First, I’d like to apologize for the lack of content from us over the past month. Unfortunately, my father, my best friend, and most important mentor, passed away unexpectedly a month ago. As you can imagine, it shook my world and left me a bit unsure of the future of eXplorminate.
With that said, after some time considering what I wanted from this endeavor, I’ve decided to reduce our scope back to strictly 4X games. We’re the only site on the web with that particular niche, and since it *is* such a niche, it’s easier to manage content, staff, and article editing with a smaller focus like 4X.
It also means we will shift back to more thought pieces, discussions on common game mechanics associated with 4X games, expositions, and less focus on timeliness. We’re here to share our passion for the genre, but we don’t want it to feel like it’s forced or needs to make a deadline, as it has often felt as of late.
In addition, I’ve also begun to revamp our 4X Game Database and focus on games that are strictly 4X games or adjacent enough to them to have some substantial overlap (games like Thea: The Awakening, for example). Please allow some time to finish it, as it takes a lot of time to work on it, and time is certainly hard to come by.
The podcast will be back soon, too. I wasn’t able to talk much about video games in light of such very real pain, but I’m slowly feeling the desire to get back into them. BATTLEMODE Ben has a few recorded, and he promises to edit them soon, so hopefully, those will tide you all over until we get the podcast back up to speed. Our first planned episode as a group will likely be about Galactic Civilizations 4. Let us know what else you’d like to hear us discuss!
So keep an eye and ear out, and we’ll soon be back to our roots, deeply seated in 4X games, and ready to eXpand the 4X empire even farther than before!
Until then, keep eXploring!
Rob founded eXplorminate in 2014 as his passion for 4X needed an outlet. You can find Rob in just about every 4X game beta and 4X game forum, too. He’s equally obsessed with the strategy and tactics genres and constantly combs the internet for new and exciting titles in those genres. He’s proud to be a member of Amplitude Studios’ VIP program and the concept creator of Endless Space 2’s Unfallen.
Thanks!!!! You are in my prayers. I’m an agnostic so I’m not sure who is listening but it’s the praying that counts. Keep on keeping on.
Thanks for being here and thank you for your kind words. Glad to have you in the community!
So sorry to hear that; best wishes in a very trying time, for sure. Take your time, and hang in there.
As to the 4X aspect, I think that’s awesome. That’s exactly why this site remains in my regular rotation, so looking forward to seeing more of it!
Hi Rob!
First I’m sincerely sorry for your loss, I’ve already gone trough that process a few years ago so I know your feeling.
And while I have this opportunity, this my first post here on explorminate but I’m visiting the site probably since it’s existence because I’m fan of 4X just like you and anyone else.
I want to thank you for all the work you put into this site, it’s very much appreciated and useful.
When I want to know if there is new 4X game I first visit the database rather than steam lol, so it’s much appreciated.
Sounds like a plan, I look forward to it!
And sincere condolences on the passing of your father, too.
I’m sorry for your loss, Rob. Not sure what else to say, but I hope you could and can take the time you need to process this. Mourning and reflecting (also and maybe particularly on the fond memories) is important. Most of the other things can wait.
Thank you very much for this thoughtful comment. I’m doing the best I can to do just that ☺️
I didn’t feel like there was much non-4X content on the site…
Many condolences. It also hits me On a personal, emotional level, since my Mom has been battling cancer.