Civ 7: Redefining Leadership in Strategy Games

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

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Civ VII Redefines What it Means to Be a Leader

Civilization leaders have always been central to the series' identity, shaping gameplay since the first game. Each leader embodies their civilization, becoming as important as the civilization itself. While their role remains constant, the diversity and representation of leaders have evolved with each installment, refining the concept of leadership and its influence on gameplay.

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 Civilization: A Club of Superpowers

The original Civilization featured a relatively simple roster compared to later games. Mostly global superpowers of the early 1990s and antiquity were represented, with predictable choices.

Limited by design and technology, the game included only 15 civilizations, such as America, Rome, Greece, Japan, China, France, Egypt, and Russia. Leadership was straightforward – historical heads 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 choices like Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin. Elizabeth I was the sole female leader. This approach, while straightforward, reflects the context of the game's release. Subsequent iterations brought significant changes.

Civilization II Through V: Increasing Diversity and Creativity

Civilization II expanded the roster and included lesser powers like the Sioux alongside established superpowers. Significantly, it introduced a separate female leader roster, providing both male and female options for each civilization.

The definition of "leader" broadened. Figures crucial to their civilization's identity, even if not heads of state, took center stage. Examples include Sacagawea for the Sioux and Amaterasu for Japan.

Civilization III integrated female leaders directly into the main roster, featuring six. Some replaced historically dominant male counterparts; Joan of Arc replaced Napoleon for France, and Catherine the Great replaced Stalin for Russia.

Civilization IV and V further expanded the roster and the definition of leadership. Revolutionaries, generals, reformers, and consorts became common. Traditional leaders were replaced or doubled, with examples including Wu Zetian replacing Mao Zedong for China and both Victoria I and Elizabeth I representing England. The focus shifted to representing a broader spectrum of human history.

Civilization VI: A Flourishing of Character and Creativity

Civilization VI saw a flourishing of characterization, diversity, and creativity. Leaders became stylized animated caricatures. Leader Personas—alternative versions emphasizing different aspects of a leader's personality—were introduced, offering varied playstyles. Lesser-known figures from less prominent civilizations were included.

Lautaro of the Mapuche and Bà Triệu of Vietnam are notable examples. Queen Gorgo of Sparta contrasted with Pericles' leadership style for Greece.

Leaders were no longer defined solely by their entire legacies but by specific chapters of their lives, foreshadowing Civ VII's approach. Eleanor of Aquitaine and Kublai Khan could lead multiple civilizations. Multiple leader options were introduced for civilizations like America and China. Leader Personas further enhanced diversity, with variations for leaders like Catherine de Medici and Theodore Roosevelt.

Civilization VII: Fresh Faces and Unique Leaders

Civilization VII features the most diverse and creative roster yet, with unconventional leaders, multiple personas, and carefully curated selections for different playstyles.

Its mix-and-match approach to civilizations and leaders allows lesser-known figures to take the spotlight. Harriet Tubman, the American abolitionist, is a notable example, filling a spymaster role.

Niccolò Machiavelli, despite not being a head of state, embodies the diplomacy of his writings. José Rizal of the Philippines, previously represented only as a city-state, now leads with a focus on diplomacy and narrative events.

Over nearly 30 years, Civilization's representation of leadership has transformed. It's evolved from focusing on superpowers to a diverse collection of influential figures, showcasing a broader narrative of humanity. The definition of leadership has changed, but its significance remains unwavering.

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