Exploring Civilizations: A Balancing Act of History and Fantasy

Mixing Fact and Fiction

Civilization games are renowned for their blend of historical facts and imaginative scenarios. From battling Harriet Tubman as Han Dynasty emperor to leading the Ming Dynasty under Niccolò Machiavelli, these games offer a unique and engaging way to explore history.

However, Firaxis Studios' senior historian, Dr. Andrew Johnson, emphasizes that "games are not history tutors." Instead, his goal is to inspire players to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of history.

Historical Challenges and Representation

In Civilization 7, Dr. Johnson acknowledges the challenges of accurately representing history within a grand strategy game. For instance, the fluid borders in Southeast Asia presented significant hurdles in capturing the complexities of sovereignty in the region.

Furthermore, Civilization's inherent win condition raises concerns about perpetuating Eurocentric views of history. Dr. Johnson emphasizes the need to showcase the dynamism and richness of non-European civilizations.

Exploring the Exploration Age

While the new "Exploration Age" in Civilization 7 holds the potential to promote colonial narratives, Dr. Johnson stresses that colonization is not the only path to victory.

This age is intended to highlight the interconnectedness of the world, showcasing trade routes from the Indian Ocean to the Mongolian Steppe and beyond.

Inspiring Historical Exploration

Dr. Johnson believes that the true value of Civilization games lies in their potential to spark curiosity and inspire players to investigate the past.

"I want people to appreciate the strangeness of the world," he says. "Because if you can see how different things were in the past, or how different other places are, you can change your everyday life. It opens up new worlds."

Conclusion

As Civilization 7 is set to release, it remains a testament to Firaxis Studios' commitment to balancing historical accuracy with engaging gameplay.