Firaxis, the renowned game development studio behind the Civilization franchise, has been reflecting on the success and shortcomings of Civilization VI, which was released eight years ago. Creative director Ed Beach, in a recent interview at Gamescom 2024, shared insights into the development process and the lessons learned from the previous installment.
Despite the commercial success of Civilization VI, Beach acknowledged that the design team was not entirely satisfied with the final product. He emphasized the importance of self-critique within the studio, stating that they are always willing to analyze and dissect their own creations to identify areas for improvement.
One of the key principles that Firaxis follows when developing a new Civilization game is to strike a balance between introducing new content, updating existing features, and retaining elements from previous iterations. This approach ensures that each new entry in the franchise feels fresh and innovative while still being familiar to long-time players.
With the upcoming release of Civilization VII in February 2025, Beach revealed that one of the main issues they addressed was the low completion rate of games in Civilization VI. Less than 50% of players were finishing a full game, which led the team to investigate the root cause of this problem.
The primary issue identified was the pacing of the game, particularly in the later stages where players were overwhelmed with an increasing number of tasks and decisions to make. Beach admitted that players found the pacing of Civilization VI to be tedious and frustrating, which hindered their enjoyment of the game.
To address this issue in Civilization VII, Firaxis implemented a new structure that divides the game into distinct chapters, or „ages.“ Each age introduces changes to gameplay mechanics and restrictions on player actions, providing a fresh experience and preventing monotony. By breaking the game into manageable segments, Firaxis aims to keep players engaged and motivated to see the game through to completion.
Exploration, a core element of 4X games like Civilization, has also been revamped in Civilization VII to maintain the sense of excitement and discovery throughout the game. By restricting players‘ movements in the early stages and gradually expanding their options, Firaxis aims to recreate the thrill of exploration in a strategic and meaningful way.
In terms of development process, Beach highlighted the importance of adhering to a formula that governs the amount of change and modification allowed in each iteration of the game. By using a structured approach and conducting regular playtests, Firaxis ensures that new ideas are implemented effectively and do not deviate too far from the core gameplay experience.
As Civilization VII nears its launch date, Firaxis is focused on delivering a polished and cohesive experience across all platforms. With hundreds of developers working on the game in-house and a commitment to thorough testing and feedback, the studio is dedicated to ensuring that the next installment in the Civilization series meets the expectations of fans and newcomers alike.
In conclusion, the insights shared by Ed Beach offer a glimpse into the thought process and methodology behind the development of Civilization VII. By addressing past issues, embracing new ideas, and staying true to the core principles of the franchise, Firaxis aims to create a sequel that will stand the test of time and captivate players for years to come.