If that’s true, it makes us think we did something good for the game by doing Civs concepts and discussions. I suppose that when the final product comes out we will be able to make a more curious comparison of the matter in question.
As anecdotal data:
-
When the Ottomans and Mali came out, there were still not that many concepts of these civs on the forum, except for an Ottoman design (AoE4 Civilization Concept: The Ottoman Empire ) with some similarities with the final design:
– 1.- Considered the concept of the Grand Vizir, but as a single unit instead of a point system
– 2.- He guessed the Toktapi Palace Landmark, although with a different effect. -
In Mali there was one, (Civ Concept: Malinke (Malians)), which:
– 1.- Guessed the concept of ranch and livestock right.
– 2.- Guessed the Wonder right.
If in the end these concepts helped in the inspiration of the final civ, they are appreciated.