The Game-Changing Future of Civilization 6 Unveiled: Explore the Exciting New Frontier Pass!
Firaxis' New Frontier Pass for Civilization 6 could shape the game's future with its innovative DLC model, potentially paving the way for a whole new approach to content updates
Highlights
Sid Meier's Civilization may be adopting a new approach to post-launch content with more "New Frontier Passes" like those seen in Civilization 6.
The New Frontier Pass and Leader Pass of Civilization 6 proved to be successful in offering players a continuous and captivating game experience, potentially shaping the series' future development. It is likely that Civilization 7 will adopt a season pass approach for its DLC, including expansion packs, to enhance accessibility and enjoyment of post-launch content for players.
Post-launch DLC has always been a significant aspect of the Sid Meier's Civilization series, but Civ 6's New Frontier Pass took a unique approach. Instead of releasing multiple DLC packs of varying sizes over time, Firaxis decided to experiment with a new type of post-launch content stream. Although nothing has been confirmed yet, it appears that the future of Sid Meier's Civilization could entail more New Frontier Passes.
The New Frontier Pass provided Civilization 6 players with a consistent flow of content. Although the quality of the content varied greatly, it offered a refreshing change from Firaxis' traditional expansion packs. The studio applied a similar model with the recent Leader Pass, and there's a good chance they will do so again with Sid Meier's Civilization 7 in the future. While it may require some adjustment, this new season pass model might become a permanent fixture.
Civilization's Future Could Be in New Frontier Passes
Firaxis typically releases new civilizations and expansion packs to ensure the longevity of a Civilization game long after its initial release date. Expansions often introduce significant changes to gameplay features, while civilization packs offer players new factions with unique abilities to master. However, Sid Meier's Civilization 6 took a different approach with its final two rounds of DLC: the New Frontier Pass and Leader Pass. These innovative offerings diverged from the franchise's traditional format, and it is uncertain whether the studio will return to its original strategies.
The New Frontier Pass for Civilization 6 functioned similarly to a season pass commonly found in other games. Priced at $39.99, players gained access to six waves of DLC spread out over the course of one year. Each wave introduced new civilizations, leaders, an optional game mode, and various other additions. In addition, Firaxis provided free updates during the intervals between waves, bringing even more optional content to the game. Although these packs were not as substantial as expansion packs, they still provided players with compelling reasons to continue engaging with the game.
Firaxis released another DLC resembling a season pass called the Leader Pass, following the success of the New Frontier Pass. This add-on included six waves of additional leaders priced at $19.99, although it was free for players who already owned all the DLCs of Sid Meier's Civilization 6. Each wave introduced three new leaders that players could utilize as alternative leaders for different civilizations. While this update offered less content compared to the New Frontier Pass, it was still well-received among fans of the strategy game.
The New Frontier Pass and Leader Pass signify a new approach to Civilization DLC, potentially serving as experimental ventures for the future of the series. Although Firaxis has not yet officially announced Civilization 7, the studio has confirmed that they are actively working on the next installment of the franchise. Given the positive reception of the season pass model, it is likely that Firaxis will adopt a similar format for the post-launch content of the upcoming game. This could potentially entail more releases similar to the New Frontier Pass and Leader Pass, or even the inclusion of future expansion packs within this system.
Restructuring Civ 7's DLC into a season pass format could be a significant change, given the success of the previous versions. This could enhance the accessibility and appeal of post-release content, subject to the pricing strategy employed. Ultimately, it remains uncertain what direction Firaxis intends to take, but the priority should be ensuring the longevity of the series. Currently, Sid Meier's Civilization 7 is being developed.
