Exploring History and Challenging Eurocentrism: Civilization 7 Unveiled

by Sylvia January 3, 2025

The upcoming release of Civilization 7 has sparked excitement among gamers, and for good reason. In an interview with PC Gamer, Firaxis senior historian Dr. Andrew Johnson discussed the studio’s passion for history and how it hopes to inspire players to delve deeper into the subject. The game’s new three-act structure includes an “Exploration Age,” which allows players to explore and settle new lands, challenging the Eurocentric view of history often depicted in games. Johnson’s goal is to highlight the dynamism of the world outside of Europe and encourage players to appreciate the strangeness of the past. With its release scheduled for February 11, Civilization 7 promises to be both fun and thought-provoking.

Exploring History and Challenging Eurocentrism: Civilization 7 Unveiled

– The Civilization games mix historical information with fantastical elements, making them fun to play but not accurate historical tutors.
– Firaxis hopes that their passion for history in the games inspires players to pick up books and learn more.
– Civilization 7 loosens its criteria for leaders and presents history as something that can be won, which raises concerns about a Eurocentric view, but the game also aims to highlight the dynamism and interconnectedness of the world.

The Civilization games have always been a unique blend of historical accuracy and fantastical elements. It’s this combination that makes them so enjoyable to play and allows players to engage with historical figures and civilizations in a dynamic and exciting way. While the games are not meant to be substitutes for real historical education, Firaxis senior historian Dr. Andrew Johnson believes that they can serve as a gateway to inspiring players to delve deeper into history through books and other resources.

One of the main goals of the Civilization series is to spark an interest in history among players. Johnson, who also teaches undergraduates, understands the challenge of getting young people to engage with history. He believes that by allowing players to embody historical figures like Niccolò Machiavelli or explore ancient civilizations like the Ming Dynasty, the games can generate curiosity and encourage further exploration. Johnson compares the games to a “gateway drug” that leads players to seek out more knowledge in traditional textbooks.

In the upcoming Civilization 7, Firaxis has expanded its range of playable leaders, allowing for even more diverse and unconventional combinations. For example, players can now take on the role of Machiavelli as the emperor of the Han Dynasty. While this may seem historically inaccurate, the series has always embraced a certain degree of rewriting history for the sake of gameplay. Johnson acknowledges that representing history in a grand strategy game comes with its own challenges, particularly when it comes to depicting borders and sovereignty in Southeast Asia. Although the game simplifies these complexities, Johnson believes that it can still pique players’ interest in specific civilizations and encourage them to explore further outside of the game.

One aspect of Civilization 7 that raises questions is the new three-act structure, which includes an “Exploration Age” focused on navigation and colonization. Johnson was asked if this promotes a Eurocentric view of history, with colonial empires being seen as the ultimate goal of winning the game. He is determined to counteract this perspective by highlighting the dynamism and complexity of non-European civilizations. Johnson wants players to appreciate the interconnectedness of the world during different periods, such as the Indian Ocean trade or the Pax Mongolica. By showcasing these aspects of history, he hopes to challenge the dominant Eurocentric narrative and encourage players to explore the richness of other cultures and regions.

Ultimately, Johnson’s main motivation for working on Civilization 7 is to inspire a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the world and its history. He believes that by understanding the differences and complexities of the past, people can also open up new possibilities in their own lives. Johnson wants players to recognize that there isn’t just one way to view the world or to be locked into a static existence. By playing the game, he hopes individuals will embrace the strangeness of history and use that perspective to create a more diverse and vibrant present.

As Civilization 7 prepares for its release, players can anticipate a game that combines historical accuracy with imaginative gameplay. While the game may not be a substitute for formal historical education, it serves as a gateway to spark interest in the subject. By allowing players to embody and interact with historical figures and civilizations, the game provides a unique opportunity for engagement and exploration. Whether players choose to conquer empires or forge alliances, they will have the chance to experience the vast tapestry of human history and hopefully be inspired to delve deeper into the rich narratives and complexities of the past.