Like the way Galactic Civilizations II's UI looks so far?  Get ready for a big change.  Beta 2 will have the same quality of graphics but the user interface is being heavily re-designed to ensure players have more access to information and functions no matter what screen they're on.

Stardock is making use of the recently released DesktopX 3 technology that allows for much easier user interface design in games.  In fact, players of Beta 2 will be able to actually create or modify the screens in the game using DesktopX.  Want a larger map? Want the map to be square and not diamond? We're not talking just "skinning" the existing UI, we're talking complete control of placement.  We will have a library before Beta 3 (late summer) where users will be able to begin uploading their own screens.