The Ultimate Leap: Unleashing the Full Potential of Civilization 7's Information Era

Highlights

Civilization 7 should reflect recent technological advances by integrating the Information Era into gameplay systems beyond military conquest.

Tying the internet and Information Era technologies into other gameplay systems opens up avenues for new tactical strategies and victory conditions in Civilization 7's revamped Information Era.

In the nearly seven years since Civilization 6 was first launched, there have been significant technological advancements in gaming and artificial intelligence. These advancements, heavily dependent on the internet, should be reflected in the technologies available to players in Civilization 7. By placing a greater emphasis on the Information Era, Civilization 7 can move the franchise forward in a way that aligns with recent real-world changes.

Previously, the Information Era served as the final era in Civilization games until the release of Civilization 6’s Gathering Storm expansion. This era offered players access to modern technologies such as satellites and robots. Researching these technologies in Civilization 6 unlocked powerful weapons, but Civilization 7 should expand upon this by integrating these technologies into various aspects beyond military conquest. By incorporating the Information Era and its reliance on the internet into other gameplay systems, Civilization 7 can introduce new tactical strategies and potentially even new victory conditions.

A More Integrated Information Era Would Give Civilization 7 Players More Options

Rather than solely utilizing Information Era technologies for the purpose of developing more destructive weaponry, Civilization 7 should strive to fully integrate them into the core gameplay. For instance, integrating resources like Power, which was introduced in the Gathering Storm expansion for Civilization 6, with Information Era technologies such as Telecommunications would lead to new strategic possibilities. This integration could give rise to a Hacker unit that utilizes Telecommunications to disrupt energy production in enemy territories, offering players an alternative offensive strategy that doesn't rely solely on military prowess.

Additionally, incorporating the in-game internet into the late-game resources and constructions would introduce fresh defensive options and technologically-focused Wonders, adding excitement to gameplay in Civilization 7. Players looking to safeguard their civilization from foreign infiltrators could pursue new Civics choices, such as the Surveillance State path, which would enhance their ability to detect enemy units like Spies. Advanced Wonders like a Great Firewall could also be included, granting Information Era civilizations that complete its construction an added layer of defense against adversaries pursuing Future Era civics, like Information Warfare.

Doubling Down on the Information Era Could Create New Paths to Victory in Civilization 7

The Information Era in Civilization 7 has the potential to not only enhance offensive and defensive strategies but also introduce new victory conditions. For instance, players could utilize technologies like Telecommunications and Satellites to gain complete control over rivals' Power production and infrastructure, ultimately dismantling their civilization without engaging in warfare.

Moreover, Firaxis could incorporate technologically-driven approaches to meet existing victory conditions in Civilization 7. An example of this could involve expanding the capabilities of Telecommunications, enabling players to spread their culture more effectively to secure a Cultural Victory. Alternatively, new Information Era technologies could be introduced, allowing players to manipulate voting within the World Congress to achieve a Diplomatic Victory through non-democratic means.

Firaxis could enhance the enjoyment and realism of Civilization 7 by incorporating aspects of today's interconnected global society. Although details about the game's progress are currently scarce, it is anticipated that Firaxis will utilize some of the development time to align the Information Era of Civilization 7 with contemporary technological advancements.