Civ 7: Redefining Leadership in Gaming

Leaders in the Civilization series have always been as iconic as the civilizations they represent, but the criteria for choosing them have evolved significantly over time. Let's delve into how Civilization VII redefines leadership and explore the historical journey of the series' leadership selections.

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Civ VII Redefines What it Means to Be a Leader

From the inception of the Civilization series, leaders have been integral to its gameplay and identity. Each leader not only embodies their civilization but also shapes the player's experience, making them as essential as the civilization itself. As the series has progressed, the concept of leadership has evolved, reflecting broader historical and cultural narratives. With every new release, the game has refined its approach to leadership, introducing innovative features and diverse figures that enrich the gameplay.

Let's take a journey through the evolution of Civilization's leaders, examining how each game has built upon its predecessors, culminating in the groundbreaking leadership roster of Civilization VII.

Old Civ Was a Superpowers Club Only

The original Civilization game, released in the early '90s, featured a straightforward roster of 15 civilizations, focusing primarily on global superpowers and historically significant nations. Leaders were typically heads of state, chosen for their widespread recognition. This resulted in familiar names like Abraham Lincoln, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Julius Caesar, with Elizabeth I being the only female leader at the time. This approach was emblematic of the era's game design but set the stage for future expansions and innovations.

Civs 2 Through 5 Increase Diversity and Creativity in Increments

With Civilization II, the series began to expand its roster, introducing civilizations like the Sioux and additional superpowers like Spain. Notably, Civ II added a dedicated female leader option for each civilization, broadening the definition of leadership to include influential figures beyond heads of state, such as Sacagawea and Amaterasu.

Civilization III shifted gears by integrating female leaders into the main roster, with figures like Joan of Arc and Catherine the Great replacing traditional male leaders. By the time Civilization IV and V were released, the series had embraced a wider array of leaders, including revolutionaries, generals, and consorts, showcasing a more inclusive narrative of human history.

Civ 6 is When The Roster Starts to Get Spicy

Civilization VI marked a significant leap in leader representation, introducing animated caricatures and the concept of Leader Personas. These personas allowed for multiple versions of the same leader, each offering unique playstyles. The game also welcomed lesser-known heroes from diverse civilizations, such as Lautaro of the Mapuche and Bà Triệu of Vietnam, emphasizing specific periods or aspects of a leader's life. This approach set the stage for the innovative leadership model seen in Civilization VII.

Civ 7 Forgoes Series Staples for Fresh Faces and Unique Leaders

Civilization VII pushes the boundaries of leadership selection with a diverse and creative roster. The game adopts a mix-and-match approach, allowing players to pair leaders with different civilizations, resulting in fresh and unexpected combinations. Notable additions include Harriet Tubman, whose leadership focuses on infiltration and espionage, and Niccolò Machiavelli, embodying strategic diplomacy. José Rizal of the Philippines also makes a significant entry, emphasizing narrative-driven gameplay.

This evolution showcases Civilization's transformation from a game focused on superpowers to a rich tapestry of human history, celebrating the diverse stories and contributions of leaders from all walks of life.

As we look forward to future installments like Civilization VIII, the series continues to redefine what it means to be a leader, ensuring that the legacy of these iconic figures remains vibrant and relevant.

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