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Civilization VII Set to Launch in February 2025
During Gamescom 2024, Firaxis Games revealed exciting details about the upcoming installment of the popular franchise, Civilization VII. This title is slated for release on February 11, 2025, and will be available for both consoles and PC simultaneously.
This latest version allows players to mold a civilization by merging different historical cultures. Unlike earlier games where a single leader guided the civilization from start to finish, Civilization VII introduces a new mechanic where players can choose a leader for each age, tailoring their civilization to their strategy. This innovation will permit players to stack bonuses from previous eras or adapt their strategy as the game unfolds.
Players will navigate through three distinct Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. Each Age will offer its own set of gameplay mechanics, technologies, civics, and resources, all confined within that specific timeframe. As players progress through the Ages, the map will expand, providing additional space for strategic development.
The portrayal of leaders will also evolve, with the game featuring heads of state as well as figures who influence philosophical, scientific, and religious thought.
Innovative Mechanics and Competitive Insights
The development team emphasized that these new mechanics are aimed at enhancing game balance. Civilization VII strives to ensure that players feel impactful during every period rather than solely in specific eras. This shift in focus marks a significant evolution in gameplay for the series.
While this approach is not unprecedented within the franchise, it reflects a strategic adaptation to elements seen in newer competitors, such as Sega’s Humankind and Xbox Game Studios’ Ara: History Untold, both of which incorporate similar civilization blending mechanics. Questions remain about whether the unstacked city mechanics from Civilization VI will carry over into this latest entry.
Notable Casting Choice
An intriguing aspect of Civilization VII is the announcement that Gwendoline Christie, renowned for her role in Game of Thrones, will serve as the narrator. While she isn’t the first woman to lend her voice to a Civilization game, she is the first to do so in the mainline series. Previous narrators, including fellow Game of Thrones star Sean Bean and Star Trek’s Leonard Nimoy, have set a high standard for this role.
Release Details and Pre-Ordering
Civilization VII will be available on platforms including PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store starting on February 11, 2025. For those interested in pre-ordering, further information on pre-order bonuses can be found on the official website.
Source
venturebeat.com