Civ 7 Redefines What it Means to Be a Leader

Civilization's leaders are as iconic as the civilizations themselves. Firaxis' approach to selecting national representatives has evolved significantly over the years. This article explores the evolution of Civilization VII's leader roster and how it redefines leadership.

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Civ VII: A New Era of Leadership

Civilization leaders have been central to the series since its inception, shaping each civilization's identity. While their role remains crucial, their representation has diversified across each installment. This article examines the evolution of leader design, exploring how each iteration refined the concept of leadership and its impact on gameplay.

A journey through Civilization's history reveals the changing roster and how Civ VII introduces a unique approach to leadership.

Early Civ: A Focus on Global Powerhouses

The original Civilization featured a relatively small roster, predominantly representing global superpowers of the early 1990s and historical antiquity. With limited design scope and technology, the 15 civilizations included familiar names like America, Rome, and China. Leadership was straightforward; each leader was a historical head of state. The selection prioritized widely recognized figures, resulting in leaders such as Abraham Lincoln, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Julius Caesar. While understandable given the time, this approach lacked the diversity seen in later iterations. Elizabeth I was the sole female leader in this initial lineup.

This clear-cut approach, though simple, paved the way for future innovations and a broader understanding of leadership within the series.

Civ II-V: Expanding the Definition of Leadership

Civilization II expanded the roster and included lesser-known powers. A notable addition was a separate female leader roster, providing alternative choices for each civilization. The definition of "leader" broadened, encompassing influential figures beyond heads of state, such as Sacagawea and Amaterasu.

Civ III integrated female leaders directly into the main roster, with notable examples like Joan of Arc replacing Napoleon.

Civ IV and V further expanded the roster and the definition of leadership. Revolutionaries, generals, and reformers became common choices, with major civilizations often represented by multiple leaders. This shift reflected a broader narrative, encompassing a wider range of historical figures.

The focus shifted from simply representing powerful figures to telling a more comprehensive story of humanity.

Civ VI: Enhanced Characterization and Diversity

Civilization VI significantly enhanced leader characterization, introducing stylized animated portraits. Leader Personas, alternative versions emphasizing different aspects of a leader's personality, added depth and diverse playstyles. Lesser-known figures from various civilizations gained prominence, such as Lautaro and Bà Triệu.

The concept of representing specific chapters of a leader's life emerged, foreshadowing Civ VII's approach. Examples include Eleanor of Aquitaine and Kublai Khan, each leading multiple civilizations. Multiple leader options for single civilizations were also introduced, such as for America and China. The expansion of Leader Personas further enriched the roster's diversity.

Civ VII: A Bold New Approach

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

The mix-and-match approach to civilizations and leaders allows lesser-known figures to take center stage. Harriet Tubman, the American abolitionist, is a notable example. Niccolò Machiavelli, despite not being a head of state, embodies the diplomatic strategies of his writings. José Rizal of the Philippines represents a significant addition.

Over nearly 30 years, Civilization's focus has evolved from showcasing global superpowers to celebrating a diverse range of influential individuals, telling a richer, more inclusive story of humanity. The definition of leadership has broadened, yet the importance of those who embody it remains unwavering.

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