"Civ 7: Redefining Leadership in Gaming"

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. Let's delve into Civilization VII's leader roster and see how it redefines leadership across the series' history.

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Civ VII Redefines What it Means to Be a Leader

Leaders have been a core component of the Civilization series since its inception, shaping the game's identity and never being supplanted by other mechanics. These iconic figures are the heart of their civilization's narrative, making them as vital to gameplay as the civilizations themselves. While their role has remained consistent, the leaders have evolved with each new installment, reflecting the diversity and complexity of real-world nations. Every game has brought innovations to their design, refining the concept of leadership and its impact on gameplay.

Let's explore the history of Civilization's leaders, how they've changed with each game, and how Civilization VII redefines leadership with its innovative lineup.

Old Civ Was a Superpowers Club Only

The original Civilization game, launched by Sid Meier, featured a straightforward roster of leaders, focusing primarily on global superpowers and historical empires. With a more limited scope in design and technology, the game included just 15 civilizations, featuring well-known nations like America, Rome, Greece, Japan, China, France, Egypt, and Russia. Leadership was depicted quite literally—each civilization's leader was a historical head of state. The selection favored widely recognized figures, resulting 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 only female leader at the time, reflecting a more traditional approach to leader selection that was fitting for the era.

Civs 2 Through 5 Increase Diversity and Creativity in Increments

Civilization II expanded the roster, introducing lesser-known powers like the Sioux and additional superpowers such as Spain. A significant change was the inclusion of a dedicated alternative roster for female leaders, allowing players to choose from both male and female figures for each civilization. The concept of leadership broadened to include non-heads of state who were crucial to their civilization's identity, like Sacagawea for the Sioux and Amaterasu for Japan.

Civilization III shifted this approach by integrating female leaders directly into the base game, featuring six women, some of whom replaced historically dominant male leaders, such as Joan of Arc for France and Catherine the Great for Russia.

By the time Civilization IV and V were released, the roster and the definition of leadership had grown considerably. Leaders now included revolutionaries, generals, reformists, and consorts. Major civilizations saw their traditional leaders either replaced or supplemented, with figures like Wu Zetian for China and both Victoria I and Elizabeth I for England. This evolution highlighted that Civilization was not just about the story of the powerful and famous, but a narrative encompassing all of humanity.

Civ 6 is When The Roster Starts to Get Spicy

Civilization VI marked a significant leap in characterization, diversity, and creativity, with leaders portrayed as animated caricatures. The introduction of Leader Personas allowed for alternative versions of leaders, each emphasizing different facets of their personality or rule, providing varied playstyles. The game welcomed lesser-known heroes from lesser-known civilizations, such as Lautaro of the Mapuche, Bà Triệu of Vietnam, and Queen Gorgo of Sparta.

Leaders were now defined by specific periods of their lives, a concept further developed in Civilization VII. Notable examples include Eleanor of Aquitaine, who could lead both France and England, and Kublai Khan, who could lead either the Mongols or China. Multiple leader options for civilizations became common, and the introduction of alternate personas for leaders like Catherine de Medici, Theodore Roosevelt, Harald Hardrada, Suleiman, and Victoria added even more diversity and depth to the gameplay.

Civ 7 Forgoes Series Staples for Fresh Faces and Unique Leaders

Civilization VII represents the culmination of the series' evolution in leader selection. It features the most diverse and creative roster yet, with unconventional leaders, multiple personas, and carefully curated picks tailored to different playstyles. The game's mix-and-match approach to civilizations and leaders allows for greater flexibility and inclusivity.

A standout addition is Harriet Tubman, the American abolitionist and Underground Railroad leader, who embodies the spymaster role with her relentless infiltration capabilities. Other unexpected leaders include Niccolò Machiavelli, representing Italy with his self-serving diplomacy, and José Rizal of the Philippines, focusing on diplomacy, narrative events, and celebrations.

After nearly three decades, Civilization has evolved from a game about superpowers shaping history into a diverse and imaginative collection of leaders, telling the story of humanity. The definition of leadership has transformed dramatically, yet the importance of those who hold the title remains constant. As we look forward to Civilization VIII, we might see leaders from contemporary times, but for now, we can appreciate the rich tapestry woven by Civilization VII's roster.

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