Software Company

In the Digital Age DLC, you can develop a range of software products such as operating systems, word processors, photo editors, anti-virus software and many others.

To make your entry into the software industry, the first step is to set up a software company.

Now access Software Guide in the Information Center to explore the various types of software you can develop.

Suppose you plan to develop 3D Modelling Software. The guide shows that you first need two software technologies: 3D Modelling Engine and 3D Graphics.

To achieve the required tech levels – tech level 20 for 3D Modelling Engine and tech level 10 for 3D Graphics, as shown in the above screenshot, you must set up Tech Programming units within your software company.

Now, click the [Hire Now] button to hire a lead programmer to develop the technology.

In the recruitment interface, select 3D Modelling Engine from the left window. The right window will display a list of job candidates with technical expertise in 3D Modelling Engine.

The Digital Age DLC introduces a new talent system for the hiring process. For more details, click the button below.

You can set up two or more Tech Programming units and link them together for greater performance, similar to how R&D units are linked in an R&D center.

In the screenshot below, we have set up two pairs of Tech Programming units specializing in 3D Modelling Engine and 3D Graphics respectively. (The team lead’s skill automatically determines the specialization of a Tech Programming unit.)

To start the tech development, simply click the [Start R&D] button and select a development duration that will advance the tech to at least level 30.

The development will commence immediately, as shown below.

The next step is to set up a Project Management unit to oversee the development of the software product.

Then, pair the Project Management unit with a Project Programming unit.

Here is a quick recap:
A Tech Programming unit (can link several together) —> for development of Software Tech.

A Project Management unit linked to a Project Programming unit —> for development of a Software Product.

The resulting setup will look like this:

Now, wait for the development of the 3D Modelling Tech and 3D Graphics to be completed. (Ensure that the resulting technologies have reached required levels. Otherwise, you will need to start a new round of development to achieve the required tech levels.)

Next, click the [New Project] button in the Project Management unit, and select 3D Modelling Software from the list, as shown below.

Operating System

Finally, you can choose an operating system to develop your software product for.

In the Digital Age DLC, there is a company specializing in the development of operating systems. You can expect to see the first operating system debut on the market soon after the game begins. If it is still too early in the game and no operating system is available yet, just be patient and wait a couple of years, and you will see one.

After you have selected an operating system and named your software product, the software development project will begin.

The development of the 3D Modelling Software is now progress.