2K has officially announced thatCivilization 7, the next game in its popular turn-based strategy 4X franchise, is in development. Popularity for the series has grown significantly since Sid Meier led the development of the originalCivilizationfor release in 1991. Over 30 years later and Firaxis Games remains true to Meier’s vision for the series. WhileCivilization 7will undoubtedly be a step forward fromCivilization 6, fans know exactly what to expect from the sequel and that’s what keeps them loyal to the franchise.It has now been over six years since the release ofCivilization 6, but Firaxis Games has by no means taken a break from the franchise.Civilization 6has received Firaxis' most robust post-launch support yet, putting out civilization packs, scenario packs, majorexpansions likeRise and FallandGathering Storm, free updates like Red Death, and most recently its popular Frontier Pass and Leader Pass.Civilization 6content is still rolling out today, evidence of the devotion fans have for the series.RELATED:Why Marvel’s Midnight Suns Was a ‘Commercial Flop,’ According to Take-Two CEOThe announcement ofCivilization 7’s development comes with relatively little fanfare. A message was posted to the officialCivilizationTwitter account stating, “Hot off the presses. NextCivgame in development!” Heather Hazen, new head of studio for Firaxis Games, described Firaxis' efforts as taking theCivilizationfranchise to “exciting new heights.” Also confirmed,Civilization 6director Ed Beachwill continue as creative director forCivilization 7.
News of theCivilizationsequel’s development wasn’t delivered entirely unprompted, however. It’s being made off the back of confirmation thatXCOM 2andMarvel’s Midnight Sunsdirector Jake Solomonis leaving the company. Rather than let disappointing studio leadership turmoil news linger, Firaxis chose to start its new era with a big announcement. It could be looked at as a reset button being pressed at Firaxis.
It’s worth noting that the titleCivilization 7has not been confirmed, though that’s certainly what those in theCivilizationfanbase will refer to it as for the foreseeable future. It’s possible that Firaxis will choose a new naming convention, going with simplyCivilizationor perhaps adding a new subtitle. It’s also possible Firaxis will go in a different direction with its nextCivilizationgame, like making a fantasy or sci-fi spin-off ofCivilization. It may even be a licensed partnership. It’s too early to tell.
With Firaxis just coming off offinishingMarvel’s Midnight Suns, though there’s still plenty of post-launch content to come, the development ofCivilization 7is likely still getting up to full speed. As such, it seems likely that there are years of development yet. Firaxis will hopefully keepCivilizationfans apprised of the state of development in the coming months and years.
Civilization 7is currently in development.
MORE:6 Historical Figures that Would Not Make Good Leaders for Civilization
