So will humans actually get a chance to do things prior to giant robots? Or are they expected to just act as set props/victims/distant screaming until then?

Can I create a scientist character who wants to build giant robots? Should I expect another character to eclipse my character who's already had a giant robot for like months already but for some reason hasn't revealed it despite giant monsters attacking his/her country? Sorry if this sounds confrontational; I've had bad experiences in the past.