Dear Devs

[FuzziSlippers]

Hello, I am here tonight making this post addressing the confirmed existence of a command console, the fact that it is locked, and why it should be unlocked and accessible to the newfounded console player base.

I understand that something like this, when compared to the grand scheme of things is insignificant. I am sure the developers have more important things to be working on as far as this game goes, let alone determining if consistently updating it is even financially feasible and it is definitely too early to tell although the console release does seem incredibly successful. I would also just like to say the lack of this "feature" doesn't keep me from enjoying this game, honestly it is everything I have ever wanted in a game. It just puzzles me how so many games like it have a cheat menu, like cities skyline which I absolutely love, and is the game that introduced me to paradox (although not quite a cheat menu persay) or even a command console, which brings me to my first point.

1. Unlocking the command console for both the Xbox and PS4 would definitely be easier than programming and then implementing cheat codes, or a cheat menu which is a whole new UI, due to the simple fact that the command console already exists. It would be easier than even allowing mods, and acceptable for both Sony and Microsoft, the former being more anal about mods than the latter, and the former being the console I play this game on I likely would not be able to experience mods, as well many others too. There are several games on BOTH consoles that allow access to a command console, and while I know just because one game has something does not mean another should but a game as complex as this one should have access to it, which brings me to my second point

2. Unlocking the command console would allow players to experiment and understand the mechanics of the game better. Yes, using the combination of different commands can mess the game up. But that is something that the player would be risking, and no reason as to why the company would be held reliable, before activation a simple line can be scripted in warning the player that using certain ones in combination can corrupt their game, as well perhaps alerts for when the player is about to use one of those combinations, although I doubt such functions exist on the PC command consoles. None the less, some might say that using them takes the fun out of the trial and error of playing the game, and while that may be true you do not have to use them. It can allow the player to do all kinds of different things without consequences, that they otherwise would not be able to due to hitting road blocks and I can imagine first time players of grand strategy games would find this incredible frustrating. They could then apply what they learned from freely experimenting with the game, and it's mechanics into normal games without the use of command console and see how they play out, thus restoring the trial and error aspect, perhaps prepping them for the iron man mode, which then brings me to my 3rd point.

3. Unlocking the console code would only be applied to custom games, and normal mode. Both of which already automatically disable trophies and effectively act as a sandbox mode just without the lack of limitations. With that said, the command console should remain locked in iron man mode, but I would imagine that's a given. But when a game has the ability to make custom games. Like cities skylines scenarios and custom cities. Things like "cheats" are usually essential and while like I said, just because one game has something it does not mean another game should. I have yet to see a game like it not have them, it just creates even more fun and generates even more replay value. Which now brings me to my 4th and final point

4. Unlocking the command console would allow players to simply let loose. Be able to play the game however they see fit, without the devs having to program cheats. It levels out the learning curve, and for a game with already so much replay value it is absolutely crazy how much more replay value it would have with the command console unlocked. The possibilities of this game are already nearly infinite, unlocking the command console would actually make it infinite. I cant understand why anyone would be against the idea, like I said if you are one of those people you don't have to use it. It is clearly something that is in demand, it's been said officially in a previous thread that the devs are constantly being messaged about it, and it's no surprise because besides the other 3 valid points I made for unlocking it, this one is the most important of them all. Because it's fun, and supply and demand is an essential aspect of any successful business, so it would be stupid not to unlock it, and to be frank I would be willing to pay for access to it and I am sure others would too.


I really hope someone from the development team takes the time to read this, and consult the rest of the team. As someone who was never a PC gamer, I never had the luxury of having a command console at my disposal. And from what I've seen, from old friends who are pc gamers, who did have them at their disposal... It had the ability to make the game twice as fun, and gave hilarious and epic moments twice as memorable.

Thank you for taking the time, I'll be anticipating your official response.

Edit: you can find testimonies from other players, complete with other reasons I didn't even think of myself as to why it should be unlocked on the second page of this thread!

 

[skullblits]

Do what I Do..

Get used to not having one xD

And enjoy the game

 

[FuzziSlippers]

Do what I Do..

Get used to not having one xD

And enjoy the game

I already am used to not having one, I never been a pc gamer so I have never had the luxury of using one, and I have even said the lack of one doesn't keep me from enjoying the game. But merely that unlocking the command console would enhance the game

 

[skullblits]

What would you use it for? Unlimited ship cap? Or other things

 

[FuzziSlippers]

What would you use it for? Unlimited ship cap? Or other things

That is an excellent question, and I am glad that you asked it.

I would use it for the same reason anyone else interested in having access to it would.

Anywhere from unlimited ship caps, unlimited resources (or added resources), instant development of tech, instant construction of ships, nullified costs (if I am not using unlimited resources), forced peace (handy in my current play through where I am facing a bug in the game that causes an INFERIOR neighbor to keep declaring war on, which shouldn't happen considering I am superior to them in power and capacity) like I've stated above, it would be perfect for exploring the game's mechanics and experimenting with them without having to tediously go through what can be a painful process of trial and error (which can cause new players to become frustrated, part of the reason why I think cheats exist within a game in the first place), while not diminishing that aspect entirely, since what you learn about the game from the command console could still backfire on you when you decide to play without its use. Especially in ironman mode where it would remain locked.

Other than that, anything really. Upon looking at the console commands that exist for the PC version it seems like the combination of things you can do with it are pretty endless. I personally have a relatively good understand of the game, so use mostly to let loose and just have fun doing anything that I can, while of course learning somethings about the game i probably wouldn't have figured out otherwise. One of the things that stood out to me, was the ability to take over an AI empire with the use of the command console (not conqour just out right start controlling the AI empire as if it was the player's empire) that could be used to create some interesting role play, especially if things don't "pan out" to how you would have liked them to go in your fantasy game. But there are clear benefits to it being unlocked other than just fun, although fun is the most important because we play games to have fun.

I love the game in its current state, the replay value is immense, but such a feature would truly make the game endless. Hope I answered your question efficiently enough.


Edit: I would love to read some reasons against unlocking it. Except that it can corrupt your save files, because that is something the player would be risking and shouldn't make the company held liable.

 

[Neclord]

Honestly they should unlock the command console because it shouldn't have been locked on consoles in the first place. That's just withholding a feature from console players for no reason. Corrupt game saves are no reason to not include it on console and go with the territory whenever games allow you to cheat, a simple warning before using it would suffice.

 

[Davor]

Only reason I use the console on the PC version is to see my map. I hate playing on a map I don't like and if I can look at the map so I don't have any races too close to me, and like the look of the map I will play it. I don't like discovering a race right away. Other than that, I don't use it.

While I wouldn't use it much if at all, I always say, giving the players the option to play how they want in a single player game, nothing wrong with that.

So add me in for having the console be usable for people who choose to use it.

 

[FuzziSlippers]

Honestly they should unlock the command console because it shouldn't have been locked on consoles in the first place. That's just withholding a feature from console players for no reason. Corrupt game saves are no reason to not include it on console and go with the territory whenever games allow you to cheat, a simple warning before using it would suffice.

In the defense of the developers, the pc version is more popular and more developed than the console version. The only reason as to why I can see them locking it is due to the fact that they aren't sure if it would take as well with consoles as it did on the pc. They probably wanted it to be released in a state that forces players to play the game as is without the enhancements of the command console. Although I am sure when the pc version initially released however long ago, that the command console was already unlocked.

But I agree a simple warning would be fine to make players aware of the risk, it is definitely no reason to keep something inaccessible to the player base, and I am tired of hearing insane people use that as a reason to keep it locked, how does it even effect anyone other than the person using them?

Only reason I use the console on the PC version is to see my map. I hate playing on a map I don't like and if I can look at the map so I don't have any races too close to me, and like the look of the map I will play it. I don't like discovering a race right away. Other than that, I don't use it.

While I wouldn't use it much if at all, I always say, giving the players the option to play how they want in a single player game, nothing wrong with that.

So add me in for having the console be usable for people who choose to use it.

I didn't even consider things like that, that is another excellent reason. Hardly a cheat, if anything that turns it into a useful tool. Tons of games have add ons that do exactly that, even in multiplayer environments. This would give yet another easy way to provide such a tool without having to completely implement an entire system, causing less strain on the developers, allowing them to focus on more important things.

Thank you both for your input!

 

[FuzziSlippers]

Just to confirm that the developers are not against it, which proves nothing malicious can be used with it, which proves it's as easy as just unlocking it, which proves Sony or Microsoft plays no part in its accessibility, developers just need a good enough reason to unlock it, which I have provided.


Taken from another command console thread
https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/foru...t-the-command-console-unlocked.1158092/page-2

 

[svenvangent]

So if I understand it well " Unlocking the command console " is to manipulate a game on console right ?

 

[FuzziSlippers]

So if I understand it well " Unlocking the command console " is to manipulate a game on console right ?

Another excellent question, thank you for asking me that as well

Yes! But not in the sense of hacking or modifying. These aren't mods or a special system that allows you to do things developers can, no, it's basically cheat codes (seriously) without having to code in cheat codes. Look up what they allow you to do on the PC version or basically any game that allows access to one

 

[svenvangent]

Another excellent question, thank you for asking me that as well

Yes! But not in the sense of hacking or modifying. These aren't mods or a special system that allows you to do things developers can, no, it's basically cheat codes (seriously)

So for example instead of starting with lets say 200 energy at the beginning of a new game you can start as you wish with 500 energy to give you just a random number right ?

 

[FuzziSlippers]

So for example instead of starting with lets say 200 energy at the beginning of a new game you can start as you wish with 500 energy to give you just a random number right ?

That is absolutely right. You can use it to add minerals to your reserve, same with energy credits, you can use it to instantly develop tech, or ships, you can use it to change the color of the map (like when you and a neighbor are basically the same color to avoid confusion), or force peace on an annoying neighbor who keeps declaring war on you (useful if like me you face that due to a bug) it's literally all stuff like that. It even has things like "make your fleet invincible" aka god mode. It's like I said, literally cheat codes, but instead of a cheat menu, you type in a command to the game saying "spawn x amount of influence" (not exactly typed like that but you get it) and it does it, I know sooooo unheard of right?

 

[Neclord]

So for example instead of starting with lets say 200 energy at the beginning of a new game you can start as you wish with 500 energy to give you just a random number right ?

Yes and much much more. You can even use it to fix glitches to an extent, for example a colony spawning with ethics that don't exist anywhere in your empire, using console commands you can convert the population to an ethic they should have spawned as instead of waiting years and hoping they'll convert.

 

[svenvangent]

That is absolutely right. You can use it to add minerals to your reserve, same with energy credits, you can use it to instantly develop tech, or ships, you can use it to change the color of the map (like when you and a neighbor are basically the same color to avoid confusion), or force peace on an annoying neighbor who keeps declaring war on you (useful if like me you face that due to a bug) it's literally all stuff like that. It even has things like "make your fleet invincible" aka god mode. It's like I said, literally cheat codes, but instead of a cheat menu, you type in a command to the game saying "spawn x amount of influence" (not exactly typed like that but you get it) and it does it, I know sooooo unheard of right?

In fact to tell you the through it is the first time I hear / read about this possibility .
Thanks for the information guy's .

 

[FuzziSlippers]

Yes and much much more. You can even use it to fix glitches to an extent, for example a colony spawning with ethics that don't exist anywhere in your empire, using console commands you can convert the population to an ethic they should have spawned as instead of waiting years and hoping they'll convert.

I never even considered that, yet another excellent way that such a thing can be a useful tool, thank you so much for adding that excellent point, that exact thing you mentioned is incredibly frustrating, get rid of those nonsensical pacifists that exist in my war mongering xenophobe empire.

In fact to tell you the through it is the first time I hear / read about this possibility .
Thanks for the information guy's .

One last piece of information before you depart, you should be forewarned that using them to a massive extent can ruin your save files and break your game. Which is basically the only reason people give against it. But I'm sure you're aware that would be at your own discretion and hate to say it no one else's fault but your own if that happens to you

 

[svenvangent]

I never even considered that, yet another excellent way that such a thing can be a useful tool, thank you so much for adding that excellent point, that exact thing you mentioned is incredibly frustrating, get rid of those nonsensical pacifists that exist in my war mongering xenophobe empire.



One last piece of information before you depart, you should be forewarned that using them to a massive extent can ruin your save files and break your game. Which is basically the only reason people give against it. But I'm sure you're aware that would be at your own discretion and hate to say it no one else's fault but your own if that happens to you

Wont use it no need for me .

 

[Neclord]

In my experience using them extensively through multiple Paradox games on PC I've never ran into a corrupt game save as a result of using console commands, I've had games crash while using some of them but never a corrupt save. Of course simply backing up your save before using any also can negate any risk involved.

 

[Hobgobblin]

Hmm I've used console commands on a number games on my PS4 without issues.. I used it when playing Ark Survival singleplayer to spawn in stuff for testing builds before trying to build in multiplayer online. Same with Conan Exiles, although rather than a typing command, they have a funky gui select thing going on but point still stands

 

[FuzziSlippers]

Wont use it no need for me .

And that is your right, and I will always respect your right to play whatever game you buy the way you like it. Just figured I would inform you since you were asking more about it, though people claim that doesn't happen, I am sure it can because it adds more stress to the CPU as more things are spawned into the game. But even if I "melt my cpu" assuming that can even happen, it does not effect you or how you play so even with that, it is no reason to keep something locked away from the player base.

Which is an excellent point to remind everyone who is against it why it should still be unlocked. You don't have to use it, but that doesn't mean everyone shouldn't be able to use it. That is an absurd communist logic, and it is sickening that people actually feel that way about it.

So thank you for saying that, because everyone should be allowed to play a game they spent their hard earned (or borrowed) money on, however they see fit so long as it doesn't lead to any sort of illegal activity like hacking. But a command console can't be used to hack into a game, that isn't even hacking by definition, but yeah, again thank you hopefully I can convince the devs with the help of everyone else to unlock it so it can be there just in case you ever want to use it!