Civilization Revolution on Steroids: Why Civilization 7 Will Blow Your Mind

Having made its debut in 1991, the Civilization franchise has made significant progress over the past 32 years. Originally created exclusively for PC players, the Civilization series has gradually expanded its presence in the console market. Although it has taken quite some time for a mainline game to be released on a console platform, Civilization 6 is now available on various devices. When it comes to Civilization 7, it is highly likely that it will be released on consoles simultaneously with the PC launch.

However, by releasing Civilization 7 on consoles right away, Firaxis may encounter a unique challenge. While many PC players have already experienced at least one previous Civilization game, numerous console players may be unfamiliar with the series. To avoid a situation similar to that of Marvel's Midnight Suns, Firaxis must ensure that the game is accessible and appealing to newcomers. In this aspect, it may not surpass the 2008 spinoff Civilization Revolution.

Civilization 7 Might Not Be as Accessible as Civilization Revolution

With a history spanning over three decades, it is only expected that the Civilization franchise has become increasingly intricate with each new installment. This is exactly what fans desire in a long-standing grand strategy series like Civilization. The classic foundation of the game has always been captivating, but over the years, various enhancements and additions have kept it one of the most engaging grand strategy series available. By introducing a multitude of new systems, Civilization 7 will continue to reward dedicated fans who invest their time in mastering the game's mechanics.

However, the addition of more systems to an already complex game might overwhelm new players. Civilization 6 already grapples with a multitude of intricate systems, including technology, population growth, culture spread, religion, and combat. For newcomers, comprehending these elements can already be quite daunting. If Civilization 7 continues to introduce new mechanics, which is highly probable, it runs the risk of discouraging new players altogether.

Civilization Revolution, positioned between Civilization 4 and 5, was crafted to serve as an accessible entry point to the franchise, specifically catering to the console market where strategy games were scarce. As a result, Civilization Revolution deviated from the customary series formula, offering a simpler version with intricate systems that allowed new players to acquaint themselves. With a faster pace and smaller scale than its PC counterparts, each match in Civ Rev could be more easily grasped by a casual audience.

Looking ahead to Civilization 7, the next major release in the mainline series, it is anticipated to primarily launch on PC, with console ports potentially following suit. It is highly probable that Civ 7 will not hold back in terms of content and should rightfully be the culmination of the entire franchise up to that point. However, it must also prioritize the design of the new player experience. Instead of abruptly immersing players, Civ 7 should provide a comprehensive tutorial integrated within an actual match, rather than a long series of tutorial missions. Anno 1800 serves as an excellent source of inspiration in this regard, seamlessly blending its tutorial into the campaign mode.

Civilization 7 is in development.