Game Level & Welfare Index

This message is primarily for Andy as the only person who can really answer the question.

Andy - could you please let me know the precise contribution Game Level makes to Welfare Index currently in game and if there are any pending plans to change it?

Last year, when planning out my countries for the long term, I was planning them out based on Documentation at the time (mid-2024) reading 'The game level will increase the welfare index by 1 point, for each game level higher than 10.' I took that to mean that GL11 would give 1 'bonus' Welfare Index point, GL12 would give 2, etc.

I just went through Documentation again to double check numbers, and saw the Documentation now reads 'The game level will increase the welfare index by 5 points, if the game level higher than 5.'

Does this imply that there is no longer a benefit to going to higher Game Levels outside of the one time GC payments? It is just a straight 5 point bonus to Welfare Index at GL6?

If there is a tangible persistent benefit to higher Game Levels, please let me know as without that Welfare Index boost requiring such high game levels I'd strongly consider changing my overall strategy quite a bit.

This is long time ago.
I will try to get to it today.

When you reach game level 6, the welfare index immediately goes up by 5 points.
It is checked every game month and if your game level declines to 5 or lower, the 5 points disappear.

It is done to motivate players to increase their game level to one that proves some knowledge and commitment.
It increases you chance to reach higher scores and awards.

Before this, many players just lingered at the lower game levels.

A five point boost to the welfare index is a major change in the productivity of countries.

That is a really good idea! I was going for GL 6 for the score, but this motivates me to keep it a permanent status in my empire.