AI Modding ?

[DirectorTsaarx]

Each AI has a "Research" file that governs whether it researches a particular tech area, how many research points it will devote to that tech area, and what level it will research to before moving on to another set of technologies. Note that many tech areas appear more than once in the list, but with a different level each time. This lets the AI research (for instance) a level or two of ship construction, then research better weapons, then research more ship construction, then research even more weapons, etc.

As for using new techs, that's governed by the "DesignCreation" file for ship designs, and the "Construction_Facilities" file for facilities on planets. One of the more experienced modders will have to explain the details of those files. There used to be a "Modder's Guide" someplace; it might have been included on the SEIV Gold CD, and I think I saw some information in the Gold edition manual as well...