So, not a lot of detail as this is a shit post account, but I mocked up a vector based system to use rather than grids which allows a city builder to run smoother and lighter on ram instead of basically being a giant spread sheet. Each path was a single vector and a data tree ties all the information to a single point on an infinitely divisible grid. It allowed a game to be more complex, and allowed for better road and other building elements.
I gave it away for free, hoping someone, anyone with more time on their hands would use it. Paradox now owns the rights to that system, they aren’t using it, but they are likely making sure noone else does.
What’s so bad about dropping grids and right angles, why can’t a building be a shape other than square? Because it’s cheaper to do and easier to mod.
If I ever have the time I’ll whip something up in unreal as a demonstration. The original was unfortunately built in unity. The whole point was to allow buildings to follow curved roads.
Best Buy has refurbished PC’s with 4070s for under a grand right now.