How, precisely, does technology work?

[Merlin]

I'm asking because we all can see it increase over time and the decisions give a small increase in discovery, but what are the mechanics or where are the files? This is the only part of the game which is neither straightforward nor well explained, and I would like to know: 1) What causes increases in technology and how does this mechanic work? 2) What, in the previous context, does say, a 40pt increase in technology mean as a decision?

[Kensai]

1) I guess there is a random percentage gain according to alliance and tech sector. For example the Western Entente should progress faster in tank technology than the Central Powers. The Eastern Entente is much slower in all aspects. The exact percentage gain is unknown but it should probably have been balanced to follow the historical timeline, more or less.
2) Isn't 40 points about 40% in the tech level? If yes, it probably means the political will to invest extra in the academic and industrial research of the alliance in order to have results faster. In my opinion, even if the player does not play any cards the progress tech should be more or less according to the historical timeline, and only slightly faster (probably a couple of months) if one of the players invests extra in tech. Also, ducking for cover here, I feel that the extra R&D investments should cost more EPs.

[Merlin]

1) I guess there is a random percentage gain according to alliance and tech sector. For example the Western Entente should progress faster in tank technology than the Central Powers. The Eastern Entente is much slower in all aspects. The exact percentage gain is unknown but it should probably have been balanced to follow the historical timeline, more or less.

See, that's what I want to know. What's the formula and how does it increase? Tanks definitely go WE positive, but the EE can often beat out the CP in infantry and artillery by a turn or two. Why and how is my concern right now.

2) Isn't 40 points about 40% in the tech level? If yes, it probably means the political will to invest extra in the academic and industrial research of the alliance in order to have results faster. In my opinion, even if the player does not play any cards the progress tech should be more or less according to the historical timeline, and only slightly faster (probably a couple of months) if one of the players invests extra in tech. Also, ducking for cover here, I feel that the extra R&D investments should cost more EPs.

Actually, no. 40 points means nothing right now. It seems to boost discovery for a turn or two but that's it. I'd love to know what precisely is going on as it's the only part of the game I don't fully understand.

[Merlin]

Let's try this: Pocuuuuuss! *sacrifices chicken*

[Kensai]

But don't these 40 points add up to the points in the appropriate counter on the top right of the map? If not then what are those numbers anyway?
(obviously my previous 40% assumption was wrong)

[Merlin]

But don't these 40 points add up to the points in the appropriate counter on the top right of the map? If not then what are those numbers anyway?
(obviously my previous 40% assumption was wrong)

I have no idea. All I can say is 40 points means a fairly steady gain in progress for a turn or two. Coupling the Adrian helms with the infantry tech decision should result in massive gains if the points were 1:1 tech percentages, but it just more or less guarantees a 10-20% infantry advantage over the CP.

I reeeeally want to figure this out...

[Jim-NC]

From what I can tell, the research level is on a sliding scale. It's like 100 points to get to the 1st level, then +200 points for the 2nd level, and +300 points for the 3rd. However, the scale is 0-100%, so at higher levels, the +40 points may only show as 20% (for the 2nd) or maybe even 10% (for the 4th). That is why it looks weird when you get points added to your tech level.

[Merlin]

That actually sounds correct, but with the previously mentioned example of Adrian helms and infantry research chosen back to back, I went from 80% level 1 to... 90% level 1. That's what makes it confusing, and why I was hoping to get some dev input.

[Altaris]

All techs advance at the following point thresholds:

100 pts - Level 2
300 pts - Level 3 (+200 pts after Level 2 reached)
700 pts - Level 4 (+400 pts after Level 3 reached)

So each level takes twice as long as the previous one to reach. The historical options give bonus points as mentioned, as well as the technology options. Technology options regenerate randomly, roughly between 3-6 months after they are used. Eastern Entente's are a bit lower on randomness, so they tend to be closer to 6 months between regenerations of the technology options.

[Merlin]

Oooh, Thanks!

So aside from advancing by decisions, which are a guaranteed number of points, how many does a faction generate per turn? Is it randomized to any significant degree, and if so, how? If I have, say 90 points to level 2 and drop a 40 point decision, do the remaining 30 carry over?

[Projekt Pasha]

Very good to know this. I've posted it in the CP thread on the Paradox Forums Mass Multiplayer TEAW PBEM. The German player was starting to get somewhat frustrated by lower than expected returns on tech

[Altaris]

Yes, points carry over once next tech level is reached. So it's just one counter for each tech category, with level 2 reached at 100 points, level 3 reached at 300 points, and level 4 reached at 700 points.

We've been discussing some ways to make this information more readily accessible to the player, but it will require some minor changes to the GUI.

[Merlin]

Excellent. Much appreciated.