Summary
If there’s one thing the award-winning Sid Meier’sCivilizationfranchise has committed to that sets it apart from its competition, it’s the representation of as much history as it can allow within its games. The number of nations in the turn-based strategy series has consistently grown, raising the bar from its humble beginnings of 14 playable countries in 1991 toCivilization 6’s comparably mammoth figure of 50 after the additions of the likes of Gathering Storm and New Frontier Pass DLC. WithCivilization 7expected to release in 2025 per a teaser trailer at the Summer Games Fest, questions ofhow Firaxis intends to improve uponCiv 6’s featuresare intensifying, and there’s a simple but sound expansion method the developer can apply.
In a historical game likeCivilization, increased diversity is always welcome, and landing the franchise’s ship on the shores of unexplored countries could be the answer forCiv 7. The series' mainstays, such as the Greeks and the Romans, are expected to feature in every iteration due to their worldwide fame – and that doesn’t seem to be subject to change any time soon. While their consistent inclusion is hardly up for debate, a few other historical wonders have been consistently missing fromCivilization’s screens despite Firaxis' best efforts to expand the franchise’s meta to include as many countries as possible. ForCivilization 7to thrive, it shouldn’t be afraid to take the franchise where it hasn’t gone before.
New Civs Could Transform Civilization 7’s Gameplay
Bohemia
It’s surprising that Bohemia hasn’t appeared as a playable civ in any edition of theCivilizationfranchise, given the extent of its historical fame. The predecessor of the modern-day Czech Republic, the 14th century heralded the zenith of Bohemia’s importance. Its ruler, Charles 4th, held the title of Holy Roman Emperor. Apart from its influential status, its role as the site of the Hussite Wars should cement it as acountry inCivilization 7. Firaxis could blend Charles 4th’s famed piousness and skillful diplomacy with the Winged Hussars or War Wagons as unique units.
The Papal State
As the head of the Catholic Church, the office of the Pope held significant authority throughout the Medieval era, with many countries paying religious homage to the Papacy. As such,historical-themed games likeCrusader Kings 3have found ways to include the Papal State in their metas; through crusades or excommunications.Civilization 6made Vatican City a city-state, but the religious pressure stemming from its Suzerainty left much to be desired, often leaving players seeking alternatives to invest their Envoys in. An expanded role as a nation inCiv 7could change this perception, complete with Indulgence leader abilities and geared towards a Religion victory condition.
The Kingdom of Benin
Civilization 6’s expansions may have brought the Zulu and Malian nations to the franchise, but there are still so many African kingdoms yet to be explored in the series. The Kingdom of Benin immediately comes to mind as an omission, especially since it was one of the most prominent states in Western Africa and endured 800 years before its fall in the late 19th century. ACivilization 5modadded Benin with Ewuare the Great as its leader, and given its popularity, Firaxis would be remiss not to add the nation inCiv 7.
The Kingdom of Judah
Many biblical era civs appear acrossCivilization’s installments, fromHammurabi’s Babylonto Saladin’s Arabia. However, a representation of ancient Judea has been conspicuously missing. Jerusalem may currently exist as a religious city-state inCivilization 6, but its bonuses pale compared to the likes of Yerevan. Given its historical importance,Civ 7has a unique opportunity to bring in a King David or Solomon-ruled country with plenty of war and religious bonuses. As an extra incentive, Judah also expertly avoids any controversy a modern-day Israel state would stir up for the franchise.
Sid Meier’sCivilization’s premise demands Firaxis be thorough in its retelling of history, and that means depicting as many influential nations as it can. The expansion trend from the originalCivtoCiv 6has yielded plenty of fruit, soCiv 7shouldn’t be afraid to go where previous titles haven’t.
