take a spore like approach to procedural life, with pre-made creatures, and don't show them on the surface only show them in a screen in which people can view what creatures are on the planet.
Better Idea here. How bout we let the players make their own economies. If there is going to be an MMO option for this game, there should be a player made everything. Taking EVE Online a step further.
At this rate I'd be happy if it was released by 2020. I remember when there was a possibility of it releasing in 2017. However, I think it would be best if we hope for 2020 as the release date. This is actually reminding me of AOC2.