Highlights
The genre of grand strategy, which offers players the opportunity to oversee entire nations, has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, thanks to the launch of top-notch titles such as Civilization 6 and Hearts of Iron 4.
The grand strategy genre has experienced a remarkable period of success in recent years, with several highly praised franchises, such as Total War: Warhammer and Stellaris, releasing successful installments. To truly stand out in this grand strategy resurgence, Civilization 7 must strive to broaden and revolutionize the franchise's established formula, delivering fresh and exciting experiences to its players.
Originating from an ancient military exercise, the grand strategy genre has existed for centuries. However, it entered the world of video games in the early 1980s with titles like Colonial Conquest and Romance of the Three Kingdoms. While strategy games come in various forms, ranging from city-management games to turn-based military shooters, the grand strategy genre is distinguished by its vast scope. Players can command entire nations spanning continents, the world, or even space. Among grand strategy games, few are as renowned as Civilization.
Introduced in 1991, the Civilization franchise played a significant role in popularizing the grand strategy genre and continues to lead the way in the modern era of gaming. In recent years, the genre has experienced a golden age, with multiple high-quality, well-established titles launching in quick succession. With Civilization 7 on the horizon, this grand strategy resurgence may have finally found its crowning achievement.
Civilization 7 Could Be the Highlight of a New Grand Strategy Renaissance
The grand strategy genre has maintained its popularity in the gaming industry for several decades, thanks to key franchises like Paradox Interactive, Creative Assembly, and Firaxis consistently releasing highly acclaimed strategy titles. However, the past seven years have seen a significant rise in the grand strategy genre's success.
The year 2016 was particularly remarkable for the grand strategy genre. Paradox's Hearts of Iron 4, which had been eagerly anticipated for seven years, made a grand entrance and proved to be well worth the lengthy wait. Shortly after, the first installment of Total War: Warhammer was released, showing great potential and inspiring some of the best Total War games to date. Adding to the excitement, the critically acclaimed Stellaris also made its debut in 2016. Finally, Firaxis' Civilization 6 concluded the year in style, captivating fans who continue to enjoy the game even today.
In the wake of 2016, which brought forth some exceptional grand strategy games, the trend has continued in the following years. Each year since 2016 has seen the release of a new Total War game, albeit some on a smaller scale, but still widely acclaimed. The launch of Crusader Kings 3 in 2020 made a significant impact, and 2022 introduced Victoria 3 and Total War: Warhammer 3 to the gaming world. And the future looks promising, with Total War: Pharaoh on the horizon and the recent announcement of Star Trek: Infinite.
Although the golden age of grand strategy has already witnessed remarkable game releases, with more on the way, Civilization 7 has the potential to become the ultimate standout. However, achieving this status will require substantial effort. While Civilization 6 was a fantastic addition to the long-standing franchise, Civilization 7 must go beyond mere repetition and instead expand and innovate on the established formula. If Civilization 7 can rise above expectations, it has the opportunity to be the pinnacle of this grand strategy renaissance.
Civilization 7 is in development.