Civilization's leaders are as iconic as the civilizations themselves. Firaxis' approach to selecting each nation's representative has evolved significantly over the years. Let's explore Civilization VII's roster and how it redefines leadership.
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Civ VII Redefines What it Means to Be a Leader
Civilization leaders have been a core element since the first game, shaping each civilization's identity. Each leader is as vital to gameplay as the civilization itself. While their role remains constant, their representation has evolved with each installment, refining the concept of leadership and its impact on the game.
This exploration examines Civilization's leadership evolution across the series, highlighting changes in each iteration and how Civilization VII presents a unique lineup that redefines leadership.
Early Civilization: A Club of Superpowers
The original Civilization featured a relatively simple roster compared to later games. Most were established global superpowers or figures from antiquity.
With limited scope and technology, the game included 15 civilizations, such as America, Rome, Greece, Japan, China, France, Egypt, and Russia. Leadership was straightforward—historical heads of state. The selection prioritized widely recognized figures.
This resulted in leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Mahatma Gandhi, and Julius Caesar, alongside more controversial choices like Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin. Elizabeth I was the sole female leader. This approach was clear-cut, reflecting the era of the game's release. However, subsequent installments introduced significant innovations.
Civilization II Through V: Increasing Diversity and Creativity
Civilization II expanded the roster and included lesser-known powers like the Sioux alongside established superpowers. Importantly, it introduced a separate female leader roster, offering both male and female options for each civilization.
The definition of "leader" broadened. Figures pivotal to their civilization's identity, even if not heads of state, took the spotlight. Examples include Sacagawea (Sioux) and Amaterasu (Japan).
Civilization III integrated female leaders into the main roster, with six in total. Some replaced historically dominant male counterparts (Joan of Arc replacing Napoleon, Catherine the Great replacing Stalin).
Civilization IV and V significantly expanded the roster and the definition of leadership. Leaders were no longer solely heads of state; revolutionaries, generals, reformists, and consorts became common. Traditional figureheads were replaced or doubled. Examples include Wu Zetian (China) and both Victoria I and Elizabeth I (England). The series shifted from focusing solely on established figures to encompassing a broader representation of humanity.
Civilization VI: A More Diverse and Creative Approach
Civilization VI saw a flourishing of characterization, diversity, and creativity. Leaders were presented as stylized animated caricatures. Leader Personas—alternative versions emphasizing different aspects of a leader's personality or rule—were introduced, offering varied playstyles. Lesser-known figures from less prominent civilizations were included.
Lautaro (Mapuche), Bà Triệu (Vietnam), and Queen Gorgo (Sparta) are prime examples. Leaders were no longer defined by their entire legacies but by specific chapters of their lives, setting the stage for Civ VII's approach. Eleanor of Aquitaine (France/England) and Kublai Khan (Mongols/China) embodied this concept. Multiple leader options for civilizations like America and China were also introduced. Leader Personas added further diversity.
Civilization VII: Fresh Faces and Unique Leaders
Civilization VII features the most diverse and creative roster yet. It utilizes a mix-and-match approach to civilizations and leaders, allowing unconventional leaders and multiple personas.
Harriet Tubman, the American abolitionist, is a notable example. Niccolò Machiavelli, despite not being a head of state, represents self-serving diplomacy. José Rizal of the Philippines is another significant addition.
Over nearly 30 years, Civilization has evolved from a game about superpowers to a diverse representation of humanity. The definition of leadership has broadened, but its significance remains unchanged. Future iterations may include contemporary leaders, but for now, Civ VII's roster showcases a rich tapestry of historical figures.
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