What's Happening?
Firaxis, the developer behind the popular strategy game Civilization 7, is responding to player feedback by reintroducing the ability to play as a single civilization throughout the entire game. This change
comes after criticism of the game's Age system, which required players to switch civilizations as they progressed through different historical eras. The company is currently playtesting this feature internally and plans to involve the community through a new initiative called the Firaxis Feature Workshop. Additionally, the upcoming update 1.3.0, set to release in early November, will introduce new naval units, buildings, and terrain features as part of the Tides of Power DLC, which will be free for existing players.
Why It's Important?
The decision to allow continuous play as one civilization addresses a significant point of contention among players, potentially enhancing the game's appeal and longevity. By involving the community in the testing process, Firaxis is fostering a collaborative environment that could lead to more player-centric updates. This move may help the game recover from its mixed reception at launch, which was partly due to dissatisfaction with the Age system. The changes could also set a precedent for how game developers respond to player feedback, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and community engagement in the gaming industry.
What's Next?
Firaxis plans to release more details on how players can participate in the Firaxis Feature Workshop in the coming months. The company will also continue to refine the game based on player feedback, with smaller updates expected over the holiday season as the team focuses on testing and iteration. The Tides of Power DLC will be released in two parts, with the first part introducing new leaders and civilizations in November, and the second part, featuring additional content, scheduled for December.
Beyond the Headlines
The reintroduction of continuous civilization play could have broader implications for the strategy game genre, potentially influencing other developers to prioritize player feedback in their design processes. This shift may also encourage a more dynamic and interactive relationship between game developers and their communities, leading to games that better reflect the desires and expectations of their audiences.
