Civ 7 Redefines What it Means to Be a Leader

Civilization’s leaders are as iconic as the civilizations themselves. Firaxis' approach to choosing each nation's representative 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

Civ leaders have been a core element of the series since the beginning, shaping its identity. Each leader embodies their civilization, making them as vital as the civilization itself. However, the representation of leaders has evolved with each installment, refining the concept of leadership and its impact 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 Civ: A Club of Superpowers

The original Civilization featured a relatively simple roster compared to later games. Most were established global superpowers or figures from antiquity.

With limited scope and technology, the game included just 15 civilizations, featuring nations like America, Rome, Greece, Japan, China, France, Egypt, and Russia. Leadership was straightforward; each leader was a historical head 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 such as Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin. Elizabeth I was the sole female leader. This approach, while simple, reflects the context of the game's release. Subsequent iterations brought significant changes.

Civ II Through V: Growing Diversity and Creativity

Civilization II expanded the roster and included lesser-known powers like the Sioux. Significantly, it introduced a separate roster of female leaders, offering 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.

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

Civ IV and Civ V significantly expanded both the roster size and the definition of leadership. Revolutionaries, generals, reformists, and even consorts became common. Traditional figureheads were replaced or supplemented. Examples include Wu Zetian replacing Mao Zedong for China and both Victoria I and Elizabeth I representing England. The focus shifted from solely powerful figures to a broader representation of humanity.

Civ VI: A More Diverse and Character-Driven Approach

Civilization VI emphasized characterization, diversity, and creativity, presenting leaders as stylized animated caricatures. Leader Personas—alternative versions of the same leader with distinct playstyles—were introduced. Lesser-known figures from less prominent civilizations gained prominence.

Lautaro of the Mapuche, Bà Triệu of Vietnam, and Queen Gorgo of Sparta are notable examples. The focus shifted from a leader's entire legacy to specific chapters of their lives. Eleanor of Aquitaine and Kublai Khan could lead multiple civilizations. America and China offered multiple leader options. Leader Personas added further diversity, with variations for figures like Catherine de Medici and Theodore Roosevelt.

Civ VII: A Fresh Perspective on Leadership

Civilization VII showcases the most diverse and creative roster yet. Unconventional leaders, multiple personas, and carefully curated selections tailored to different playstyles are key features.

The mix-and-match approach to civilizations and leaders allows lesser-known figures to take center stage. Harriet Tubman, the American abolitionist, is a prominent example, filling a unique spymaster role. Niccolò Machiavelli, known for his political writings, is another unexpected addition. José Rizal of the Philippines represents a significant shift in representation.

Over nearly 30 years, Civilization has evolved from a game about superpowers to a diverse and imaginative collection of individuals representing humanity's story. The definition of leadership has transformed, but its significance remains unwavering.

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