TheCivilizationfranchise is a major player in strategy gaming, known for its interesting mix of historical simulation and strategic gameplay, but this success poses a challenge for the next game,Civilization 7. While players enjoy the early parts of the game filled with exploration, many find that the late stages become tedious due to excessive micromanagement – a problem the developers recognized and wanted to fix. But it’s not just about pacing;Civilization 7also needs to create a unique identity that sets it apart from its predecessor,Civilization 6.

The ongoing popularity ofCivilization 6is a reminder that the new game should bring real innovations.IfCivilization 7doesn’t stand out, many players might stick with the familiarity ofCivilization 6, which could hurt the new title’s chances. Byreimagining the idea of 4X games,7is looking to significantly change the gameplay experience to keep the series strong.

Cleopatra holding up a scroll in the Civilization 7 trailer.

Civilization 7’s Change Makes It Unique In The Series

This Is What The Series Needs

Civilization 7takes a new direction from previous games in the series by changing how gameplay is structured. Instead of following a continuous line of progression,the game is divided into different historical Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern.Each stage makes senseand acts like a fresh start, bringing in new civilizations, resources, technologies, and game features. This hopefully keeps the experience varied throughout the campaign instead of just in the early stages when players usually feel motivated.

Civilization 7: Release Date, Platforms, & Confirmed Civilizations

Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 marks the return of an iconic strategy series, and although information is limited, there are a few key things to know.

By resetting the game every time players move into a new Age, they may enjoy new challenges and opportunities, helping to prevent the boredom that often comes in the late-game of earlier titles. Additionally,each Age ends with a crisis that requires players to adapt and make strategic choices, breaking up any routines they might fall into.

Two leaders from Civ 7 with the game map in the background.

This new format is aimed at keeping the charm and replayability of the series while addressing the frustrations that players have experienced in the past.Civilization 7introducesa much-needed change to make the game more funand removes a lot of the drag that comes from the late stages ofCivilizationgames.

If Civilization 7 Was Like 6, It’d Be Harder To Sell

We Don’t Need A Civ 6 Version 2

IfCivilization 7was just a simple update of the previous game with a few new units and features, it probably wouldn’t be successful. TheCivilizationseries has a loyal fanbase, but players who are attached toCivilization 6or still enjoyCivilization 5want more than just minor improvements. They need strong reasons to walk away from their established games and start fresh.

While the idea of something new is appealing, it may not be enough; significant changes must be made to make it worth their time and money. Fans still support older games likeCivilization 5, sothe new title has to bring enough innovation and interesting design choicesto convince them to make the switch. Some fans are likely to stick with what they know if the new game only offers slight improvements in features, minor AI updates, or basic graphical upgrades.

Harriet and Isobella from Civilization 7

Civilization 7 Should Make This Civ 6 Mod Official

Civilization 7 is coming out soon, and it will hopefully include a feature that players have been modding into the games since Civ 4 came out in 2005.

For Firaxis, the challenge is that players may decide to stay with their current game ifCiv 7doesn’t bring enough newness or fix long-standing issues. It’s a tricky situation because, as seen with the differences betweenCivilization 5and6,sometimes changes for the sake of change can backfire. The new game needs to be genuinely compelling; otherwise, it will just feel like a continuation of what players already have.

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ForCivilization 7to be successful, it has to show that it’s not just another installment, buta major step forward that offers a fresh gameplay experiencethat encourages fans to take on its new challenges and leave their current games behind. Introducing Ages and reducing repetitive elements is a good move, but the game needs to makebig changes fromCivilization 6. Adding something that addresses long-standing problems is essential without pushing fans away.

Civilization 5 Still Has A Huge Player Base

Some Players Haven’t Moved On

Civilization 5remains popular even after more than 14 years, which shows how engaging its gameplay is.It has had over 15,000 active playersin the last month (viaSteam Charts). AlthoughCivilization 6has gradually gained players over the years, the high number of players still dedicated toCivilization 5is evidence of a challenge for the series.

What keeps players coming back toCivilization 5is its complex mechanics, strategic depth, and unique leaders.The game also has a strong modding community that provides a lot of user-generated content, helping to keep the game feeling new and exciting. This dedication from fans highlights the need forCivilization 7to deliver a fun and innovative experience right from the beginning.

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The Distant Lands In Civilization 7’s Exploration Age, Explained

In Civilization 7’s Exploration Age, the Distant Lands play a central role in shaping the trajectory and turning the tides of each campaign.

The upcoming game faces significant pressure because, unlikeCivilization 6, which had to improve and grab players over time,Civilization 7should try to grab players' attention immediately. If it doesn’t,many players might choose to stick with the game they already enjoy.Civ 5is a titan of the strategy genre, and if it remains more popular than two sequels, the entire series risks stagnating.

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Civilization 7 Was Right To Change Core Game Mechanics

The Series Needed Something Really Fresh

Civilization 7is making some big changes to how the game works, which is more than just a risky choice: it’s a smart move to attract players away from familiar favorites.The new Ages system is a brilliant idea that breaks the game into different historical periods, helping to tackle the boredom that often comes in the game’s later stages.

These updates mean thatCivilization 7isn’t just a nicer-looking version of older games; it offers a new experience that should appeal to long-time fans and those new to the series. By moving away from the usual straight progression of the previous games,Civilization 7hopefully revitalizes the gameplay, making it more enjoyable for newcomers and people sick of the grind.

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Additionally, each leader, ability, and unit in every Age is designed to fit that specific period, making the gameplay feel more balanced and thematically appropriate, unlike earlier titles where civilizations often felt out of place as time moved forward.Civilization 7is aimed at making sure that players stick to it, and the developers made the right choice to change things in the newest entry in the series.

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