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I think in general the book isn't so much focus on the game design itself, sadly, but a lot of stuff around it.

However, is the whole "Back to the future" chapter basically about Alpha Centauri? Some time ago I read the book, but seems to be mentioned a bunch there: https://imgur.com/a/6d0U6oH

I don't think he designed alpha centauri.

That's because he never had much impact on it (or Civs after the first one).

His name in the game title is just a brand, the lead designer for SMAC (and Civ II) is Brian Reynolds.