Thanks for playing and leaving a comment!
Automation (beyond "Like rabbits" simulation mode) is still a bit rough and definitely something I'll continue to refine. You wouldn't believe how hard it was to actually get them to start to grow each system exponentially. There is no AI built into in the game itself, just hard-coded logic, so giving something the appearance of autonomy has proven to be one of the most challenging aspects of this game by far. Especially as I add more feature, as each time it requires updating the progression logic of the autonomous modes.
As for your point about resource abundance, I agree completely and already have several plans to address this, including megaprojects!
The game in it's current state (build v25) represents a framework that I've purpose built to be expanded upon. The current iteration essentially showcases only 1 of 3 core gameplay phases I have in mind for this project.
Phase 1) Explore and Expand (current game)
Phase 2) Entrench and Exploit (current game+, this is where those massive resource stockpiles start to do something...)
Phase 3) Collapse and Conquest (every utopia can only last so long...)
Yes! I have several plans for this aspect of the game as it's currently underutilized.
I'd like to include randomly seeded "alien ruins" across the map. Once discovered in a system, the instance in charge there will be given the option to begin a new megaproject (exotic research, or something similar). Completing this project will consume A LOT of time and resources, particularly compute and energy, but once completed it will grant a predetermined bonus or benefit. Still brainstorming what those benefits will be exactly, but they will be huge and worth the resource investment.