Civilization 7: Why Returning to Traditional Gameplay Was a Difficult Choice
A New Vision and Old Traditions
The Civilization series has been a cornerstone of the strategy genre for decades, but the launch of its latest installment, Civilization 7, proved to be a difficult process for developer Firaxis. The game's initial concept, which required players to switch civilizations as eras progressed, split the community. While some players welcomed the innovation, it proved unacceptable to veterans of the series.
As creative director Ed Beach explains, this radical change was not accidental. The project was based on a long-standing desire from series creator Sid Meier to avoid the problem of "vanilla" or monotonous civilizations during the later stages of history. Beach's goal was for players to maintain unique abilities throughout history, making the game more dynamic.
A Difficult Compromise and Community Reaction
However, as executive producer Dennis Shirk noted, this novelty caused frustration among the series' hardcore fans. They wanted to maintain the fantasy of watching a specific nation develop from beginning to end. For this reason, Firaxis was forced to bring back a classic, single-civilization-focused mode in the form of the Test of Time update.
For Ed Beach, this decision was difficult on a personal level because it contradicted the game's original vision. Nevertheless, the studio acknowledged that it could not ignore the wishes of its players. To rectify the process, Firaxis held public workshops to utilize fan feedback, which has since become an important practice for future updates.
What Does the Future Hold for the Game?
Although the return of the traditional mode has received a positive response, the game's reviews on Steam remain mixed. The studio is currently working on a new update tied to the first expansion, Earthrise. This step aims to both surprise new audiences and regain the trust of veteran players.
Firaxis leadership acknowledges that with Civilization 7, they took "too big a step" when changing the formula. However, the company hopes that through constant updates and close communication with the community, the game will eventually secure the same standing as previous entries in the series. For fans who remain loyal to the series, these changes are a sign that the developers are ready to correct mistakes and consider player demands.