Civ 7 Redefines What it Means to Be a Leader

Civilization's leaders are as iconic as the civilizations themselves. Firaxis' approach to choosing each nation's representative has evolved significantly over the years. Let's explore how Civilization VII's roster redefines leadership.

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Civ VII Redefines What it Means to Be a Leader

From the very first game, leaders have been integral to Civilization's identity, shaping its core gameplay. Each leader embodies their civilization's character, making them as crucial as the civilization itself. While their role remains constant, the way leaders are represented has evolved dramatically across each installment, refining the very definition of leadership within the game.

This exploration delves into Civilization's history, examining the evolution of its leader roster, the changes in each iteration, and how Civilization VII uniquely redefines leadership.

Early Civ: A Club of Superpowers

The original Civilization featured a relatively simple roster compared to later games. The focus was largely on established global superpowers and historical figures. With limited design scope and technical capabilities, the game included just 15 civilizations, featuring familiar names like America, Rome, Greece, Japan, China, France, Egypt, and Russia.

Leadership was straightforward: each leader was a historical head 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 figures like Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin. Elizabeth I was notably the sole female leader. This approach, while simple, reflected the context of the game's release.

This clear-cut approach to leader selection, while fitting for its time, paved the way for future innovations.

Civ II Through V: Expanding Diversity and Creativity

Civilization II expanded the roster and included lesser-known powers like the Sioux. Significantly, it introduced a separate female leader roster, providing alternative choices for each civilization. The definition of "leader" also broadened, incorporating figures pivotal to their civilization's identity beyond heads of state. Sacagawea for the Sioux and Amaterasu for Japan are prime examples.

Civilization III integrated female leaders directly into the main roster, featuring six in total. Some replaced historically dominant male counterparts, such as Joan of Arc replacing Napoleon for France.

By Civilization IV and V, the roster and the definition of leadership expanded significantly. Leaders were no longer solely heads of state; revolutionaries, generals, and reformers became common. Major civilizations often featured multiple leaders, reflecting different eras or perspectives. Wu Zetian replaced Mao Zedong for China, and both Victoria I and Elizabeth I represented England. The focus shifted from solely the powerful and famous to a broader representation of humanity.

Civ VI: Characterization and Creativity Flourish

Civilization VI saw a significant leap in characterization, diversity, and creativity. Leaders became stylized animated caricatures, bringing them to life. The introduction of Leader Personas—alternative versions emphasizing different aspects of a leader's personality—offered diverse playstyles. Lesser-known figures from less prominent civilizations joined the roster.

Lautaro of the Mapuche and Bà Triệu of Vietnam stood out as symbols of resistance. Queen Gorgo of Sparta offered a contrasting leadership style to Pericles.

The concept of Leader Personas further expanded diversity. Leaders like Catherine de Medici, Theodore Roosevelt, and Victoria received alternate personas, each with unique gameplay styles. The focus shifted from a leader's entire legacy to specific chapters of their lives, setting the stage for Civ VII.

Civ VII: A Fresh Perspective on Leadership

Civilization VII represents the pinnacle of Firaxis' evolving leader selection philosophy. It features the most diverse and creative roster yet, with unconventional leaders, multiple personas, and carefully curated choices tailored to different playstyles.

The mix-and-match approach to civilizations and leaders allows even lesser-known figures to take center stage. Harriet Tubman, the American abolitionist, is a prime example, filling the spymaster role with her unique abilities.

Niccolò Machiavelli, despite not being a head of state, embodies the diplomatic maneuvering his writings championed. José Rizal of the Philippines finally joins the roster, representing diplomacy and narrative events.

Over nearly 30 years, Civilization has evolved from a game about superpowers to a diverse exploration of humanity's great minds. The definition of leadership has transformed, but the significance of those who bear the title remains unwavering.

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