Civilization's leaders are as iconic as the civilizations themselves, but the way Firaxis selects each nation's representation has evolved significantly over the years. Dive into this article to discover how Civilization VII redefines leadership and showcases its diverse roster.
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Civ VII Redefines What it Means to Be a Leader
Leaders have been integral to the Civilization series since its inception, shaping the game's identity and never being overshadowed by other mechanics. These iconic figures are the heart of their civilizations, as vital to gameplay as the civilizations themselves. Over the years, the leaders have evolved, reflecting the diversity of real-world nations and adapting with each new game. Each installment has brought innovations to their design, redefining what it means to be a leader and how they impact the game.
Join me as we explore the history of Civilization's leaders, how they've changed with each iteration, and how Civilization VII redefines leadership with its unique lineup.
Old Civ Was a Superpowers Club Only
Starting with Sid Meier's original 4X masterpiece, Civilization, the game featured a simpler roster compared to later entries. It included nearly every global superpower of the early '90s and historical antiquity, with predictable figureheads.
With limited design and technical capabilities, the game included only 15 civilizations, such as America, Rome, Greece, Japan, China, France, Egypt, and Russia. Leadership was straightforward—each civilization's leader was a historical head of state. The selection process favored widely recognized figures, resulting in leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Mahatma Gandhi, and Julius Caesar, alongside controversial choices like Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin. Elizabeth I was the only female leader. This approach was clear-cut and reflective of the era, but as the series progressed, innovations began with Civilization II.
Civs 2 Through 5 Increase Diversity and Creativity in Increments
By the time Civilization II was released, the leader roster and civilization list had expanded. New civilizations like the Sioux were introduced alongside additional historical superpowers, such as Spain. Notably, Civ II introduced an alternative roster for women, allowing players to choose from both male and female leaders for each civilization.
The definition of a "leader" also expanded, including figures who were pivotal to their civilization's identity but not necessarily heads of state. Examples include Sacagawea for the Sioux and Amaterasu, a Shinto goddess, for Japan.
Civilization III took a different approach by integrating more female leaders directly into the base game, with six in total. Some female leaders even replaced historically dominant male counterparts, such as Joan of Arc for France and Catherine the Great for Russia.
By the time Civilization IV and V arrived, the roster size and the definition of leadership had grown significantly. Leaders were no longer just heads of state; revolutionaries, generals, reformists, and consorts became common. Traditional figureheads were replaced or doubled up, with Wu Zetian taking over for Mao Zedong in China and both Victoria I and Elizabeth I representing England.
Civilization's narrative shifted from focusing solely on the strong and famous to encompassing the broader story of humanity, including lesser-known figures.
Civ 6 is When The Roster Starts to Get Spicy
Civilization VI marked a peak in characterization, diversity, and creativity, with leaders portrayed as animated caricatures. It introduced Leader Personas, alternative versions of the same leader that highlighted different aspects of their personality or rule, offering varied playstyles.
As technical limitations diminished and the roster expanded, Civ VI welcomed lesser-known heroes from lesser-known civilizations. Lautaro of the Mapuche symbolized resistance against Spanish conquest in Chile, while Bà Triệu, a Vietnamese folk hero, represented her people's strength. Queen Gorgo of Sparta offered a contrasting approach to Pericles' diplomacy.
Leaders were now defined by specific chapters of their lives, a concept that set the stage for Civ VII's approach. Eleanor of Aquitaine could lead either France or England, and Kublai Khan could rule the Mongols or China. Multiple leader options were introduced for civilizations like America and China.
The integration of Leader Personas brought even more diversity, with alternate personas for leaders like Catherine de Medici, Theodore Roosevelt, Harald Hardrada, Suleiman, and Victoria, each offering subtle yet meaningful variations in playstyle.
Civ 7 Forgoes Series Staples for Fresh Faces and Unique Leaders
Civilization VII represents the latest evolution in Firaxis' leader selection philosophy, featuring the most diverse and creative roster yet. It introduces unconventional leaders, multiple personas, and carefully curated picks tailored to different playstyles.
Civ VII's mix-and-match approach to civilizations and leaders allows lesser-known figures to shine. Harriet Tubman, the American abolitionist and Underground Railroad leader, embodies relentless infiltration, filling the spymaster niche once held by Catherine de Medici.
Other unexpected additions include Niccolò Machiavelli, who, despite not being a head of state, embodies self-serving diplomacy, and José Rizal of the Philippines, who focuses on diplomacy, narrative events, and celebrations.
After nearly 30 years, Civilization has evolved from a game about superpowers shaping history to a vibrant, diverse, and imaginative collection of great minds, all telling the story of humanity. The definition of leadership has changed dramatically, but the significance of those who bear the title remains unwavering. As we look forward to Civ VIII, we may see leaders contemporary to us, but for now, we can appreciate the rich tapestry woven by Civ's rosters.
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