Civilization’s leaders are as iconic as the civilizations themselves. Firaxis' approach to selecting each nation's leader has evolved significantly over the years. Let's explore the evolution of Civilization VII's roster and how it redefines leadership.
← Return to Sid Meier's Civilization VII main article
Civ VII Redefines What it Means to Be a Leader
From the very first game, Civ leaders have been integral to the series' identity, shaping its core gameplay. Each leader embodies their civilization's identity, making them as crucial as the civilization itself. While their role remains constant, the kinds of leaders have diversified with each installment, reflecting evolving perspectives on leadership and its impact on gameplay. This journey through Civilization's history reveals how the leader roster has evolved, the changes in each iteration, and how Civilization VII uniquely redefines leadership.
The Early Days: A Club of Superpowers
The original Civilization featured a relatively simple roster compared to later games. The focus was primarily on major global powers from history and antiquity, with their leaders being predictably prominent figures.
Limited by the scope and technology of the time, the game included just 15 civilizations, featuring nations like America, Rome, Greece, Japan, China, France, Egypt, and Russia. Leadership was straightforward—leaders were almost exclusively historical heads of state. The selection prioritized widely recognized figures.
This led to leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Mahatma Gandhi, and Julius Caesar, alongside more controversial choices such as Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin. Elizabeth I stood alone as the sole female leader. This approach, while simple, was a product of its time. However, the series has continually evolved since then.
Civ II Through V: Incremental Growth in Diversity and Creativity
Civilization II expanded both the leader roster and the range of civilizations. Lesser-known powers like the Sioux debuted alongside more established historical powers such as Spain. Significantly, Civ II introduced a separate roster of female leaders, providing both male and female options for each civilization.
The definition of "leader" also broadened. Figures who weren't necessarily heads of state but were pivotal to their civilization's identity began to appear. Sacagawea for the Sioux and Amaterasu for Japan are prime examples.
Civ III, while removing the separate female roster, integrated more female leaders into the main roster, featuring six in total. Some replaced historically dominant male counterparts, such as Joan of Arc replacing Napoleon for France.
Civ IV and Civ V further expanded the roster and the definition of leadership. Leaders were no longer limited to heads of state; revolutionaries, generals, reformers, and even consorts became common. Traditional leaders were replaced or joined by others, such as Wu Zetian replacing Mao Zedong for China, and both Victoria I and Elizabeth I representing England. The focus shifted from solely the powerful and famous to a broader representation of humanity.
Civ VI: A Flourishing of Character and Creativity
Civilization VI saw a significant leap in characterization, diversity, and creativity. Leaders became stylized animated caricatures, bringing them to life. Leader Personas—alternative versions of the same leader emphasizing different aspects—were introduced, offering diverse playstyles. The expansion of the roster included lesser-known figures from less prominent civilizations.
Lautaro of the Mapuche, Bà Triệu of Vietnam, and Queen Gorgo of Sparta are notable examples, representing resistance, strength, and contrasting leadership styles. The game also introduced civilizations with multiple leader options, such as America (Lincoln or Roosevelt) and China (Qin Shi Huang, Wu Zetian, or Yongle).
Leader Personas further enhanced diversity. Catherine de Medici, Theodore Roosevelt, Harald Hardrada, Suleiman, and Victoria all received alternate personas with distinct playstyles. The focus shifted to specific chapters of a leader's life, paving the way for Civ VII's approach.
Civ VII: A Bold New Direction
Civilization VII represents the pinnacle of Firaxis' evolving leader selection philosophy. Building on past innovations, it features the most diverse and creative roster yet, with unconventional leaders, multiple personas, and carefully curated choices tailored to different playstyles.
The mix-and-match approach to civilizations and leaders allows even lesser-known figures to take center stage. Harriet Tubman, the American abolitionist, is a prime example, filling the spymaster role. Niccolò Machiavelli, despite not being a head of state, embodies his diplomatic writings. José Rizal of the Philippines also joins, focusing on diplomacy and narrative events.
Over nearly 30 years, Civilization has transformed from a game about superpowers to a diverse and imaginative collection of influential figures, telling the story of humanity. The definition of leadership has evolved, but its significance remains constant.
← Return to Sid Meier's Civilization VII main article
Sid Meier's Civilization VII Similar Games
