Summary
As the series’ sixth entry slowly edges towards its tenth anniversary, many fans of Sid Meier’s acclaimed strategy franchise have already started looking forward to what awaits them inCivilization 7. AlthoughCivilization 7has been rumored to have a release date sometime in 2024, a lack of updates from developer Firaxis means that it’s still unclear when the game will actually see the light of day. No matter whenCivilization 7eventually releases, though, Firaxis needs to ensure fans aren’t left in the lurch with a lengthy wait between its official reveal and the day gamers actually get their hands on the grand strategy sequel.
The backlash that followedBethesda’s reveal forThe Elder Scrolls 6has clearly illustrated that gamers don’t take well to being teased with a title that’s still years away from release, and Firaxis needs to avoid making this mistake withCivilization 7. Rather than showing a short teaser promising a release date sometime down the line, the eventual gameplay reveal forCivilization 7should be accompanied by a release date that’s months, not years, away. This need to get the sequel into storefronts in short order is heightened by the fact that, after years of expansion packs and DLC, support forCivilization 6looks to be winding down.
Civilization 7’s Reveal and Release Should Come in Short Succession
Although relatively little has been revealed about the long-awaited sequel aside from a brief announcement in early 2023 thatCivilization 7is in development, given the franchise’s long legacy it’s fair to say its arrival is highly anticipated. And, unlike in many previous years,Civilization 7is likely to face plenty of competition as severalnew grand strategy gamesare set to be released in 2024. This new competition makes it imperative that the reveal ofCivilization 7comes with a release date in the near future.
This would let Firaxis avoid the blowback that Bethesda faced with the reveal ofThe Elder Scrolls 6and help it get ahead of new threats toCivilization’s dominance of the grand strategy genre. With upcoming titles like thestrategy gameAra: History Untoldoffering a fresh take on the familiar formula, to avoid losing players Firaxis needs to getCivilization 7out the door and remind fans why they fell in love with the seriesin the first place. This is especially true now, since evenCivilization 6’s most ardent fans may soon begin looking elsewhere for their grand strategy fix as new content for that game dries up.
With Civilization 6 Support Winding Down, Firaxis Needs to Act Fast
Thanks to robust post-launch support in the form of numerous expansions andDLC releases forCivilization 6, fans of the game have been able to enjoy a steady stream of new content for years. But as this support slows to a trickle, with no new expansions currently announced, Firaxis can no longer rely on DLC to keep the franchise afloat.
This is why, to keep its place as the premiere grand strategy franchise,Civilization 7needs to launch sooner rather than later. This doesn’t mean that some of the uniquegameplay mechanics fromCivilization 6’s expansionsneed to be left behind, though. New features like the climate system and natural disasters inCivilization 6: Gathering Stormcould carry over, for instance, potentially even being enhanced and expanded on in the sequel.
Ensuring thatCivilization 7’s revealnot only provides the first glimpse of gameplay, but also lets franchise fans know they won’t be waiting years to play it, will help the series stay strong well into its third decade. And by avoiding following in the footsteps ofThe Elder Scrolls 6and revealing its game too far ahead of its release, Firaxis can feel assured that fans’ goodwill will be waiting whenCivilization 7finally arrives.
Sid Meier’s Civilization 6
WHERE TO PLAY
Civilization VIoffers new ways to engage with your world: cities now physically expand across the map, active research in technology and culture unlocks new potential, and competing leaders will pursue their own agendas based on their historical traits as you race for one of five ways to achieve victory in the game.Expansive empiresSee the marvels of your empire spread across the map like never before. Each district, wonder, and improvement is built on its own hex, allowing you to customize your city to your heart’s content. From the Commercial Hub to the Spaceport, every district provides unique and powerful bonuses. Pick and choose which districts to build to fit your needs! Build better than your opponents, place yourself strategically for your allies, and become the best civilization on Earth.Active ResearchBoost your civilization’s progress through history to unlock powerful bonuses before anyone else! To advance more quickly, use your units to actively explore, develop your environment, and discover new cultures. Research isn’t just limited to science. Explore the Civics tree to unlock powerful new governments and cultural policies Cultivate the civilization that fits your playstyle, or switch it up every time you play!Dynamic diplomacyAs the game progresses, so do your diplomatic relationships. From primitive first interactions where conflict is a fact of life, to late game alliances and negotiations. Carry influence with nearby city states to gain its diplomatic allegiance and earn game-changing city-state bonuses. Enlist spies to gather crucial intel on rival civilizations, steal precious resources, and even topple governments.
