Civ 7 Redefines What it Means to Be a Leader

Civilization's leaders are as iconic as the civilizations themselves. Firaxis' approach to selecting national representatives has evolved significantly over the years. This article explores Civilization VII's leader roster and how it redefines leadership in the series.

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Civ VII: A New Era of Leadership

Leaders have been integral to the Civilization series since its inception, shaping each civilization's identity. While their role remains crucial, the definition of "leader" and their impact on gameplay have evolved with each iteration. This analysis examines the series' history, highlighting changes in leader selection and how Civ VII presents a unique approach.

Let's journey through Civilization's history to understand the evolution of its leader roster and how Civ VII's unique lineup redefines leadership.

Early Civ: A Focus on Global Powerhouses

The original Civilization featured a comparatively simple roster. Mostly global superpowers from antiquity and the early 1990s were represented, with their leaders being largely predictable.

With limited design scope and technical capabilities, the game included just 15 civilizations, including America, Rome, Greece, Japan, China, France, Egypt, and Russia. Leadership was straightforward—leaders were 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 such as Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin. Elizabeth I was the sole female leader. While understandable given the time of release, this approach was simplistic compared to later iterations.

Civ II-V: Expanding Diversity and Creative Freedom

Civ II expanded the roster and included lesser-known powers like the Sioux. 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, gained prominence. Examples include Sacagawea (Sioux) and Amaterasu (Japan).

Civ III integrated female leaders into the main roster, featuring six in total. Some replaced historically dominant male counterparts (e.g., Joan of Arc replacing Napoleon).

Civ IV and V saw a substantial expansion of both roster size and the definition of leadership. Revolutionaries, generals, and reformers became common. Major civilizations had multiple leaders, reflecting different eras or perspectives. Examples include Wu Zetian (China) and Victoria I and Elizabeth I (England). The focus shifted from solely powerful figures to a broader representation of humanity.

Civ VI: Enhanced Characterization and Diverse Personalities

Civilization VI significantly enhanced characterization and creativity, introducing stylized animated portraits. Leader Personas—alternative versions emphasizing different aspects of a leader's personality—offered diverse playstyles. Lesser-known figures from less prominent civilizations joined the roster.

Lautaro (Mapuche), Bà Triệu (Vietnam), and Queen Gorgo (Sparta) are examples of this expansion. The game also introduced civilizations with multiple leader options (e.g., America, China).

Leader Personas further diversified the roster. Leaders like Catherine de Medici, Theodore Roosevelt, and Victoria received alternate personas with distinct gameplay styles. Leaders were no longer defined solely by their entire legacies but by specific chapters of their lives.

Civ VII: A Bold Departure and Unconventional Choices

Civ VII represents a significant shift in leader selection. Building on past innovations, it features the most diverse and creative roster yet, with unconventional leaders, multiple personas, and carefully curated choices for varied playstyles.

The mix-and-match approach to civilizations and leaders allows lesser-known figures to take center stage. Harriet Tubman, the American abolitionist, is a prime example, filling a unique spymaster role.

Other notable additions include Niccolò Machiavelli, whose diplomatic approach reflects his writings, and José Rizal of the Philippines, focusing on diplomacy and narrative events.

Over nearly 30 years, Civilization has evolved from a game about major powers to a diverse representation of humanity. The definition of leadership has changed, but the importance of those who embody it remains constant.

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