Civilization 7 Poised to Break Long-Standing Series Tradition

The excitement surrounding Civilization 7 is building as its release date draws closer, with the game set to launch next year. Fans got their first hint of what's to come when a teaser trailer dropped during this year's Summer Game Fest. While many specifics remain under wraps, one thing is already clear: Civilization 7 is set to break a significant tradition within the series.

To say that Civilization 7 is eagerly awaited would be an understatement. It's been nearly eight years since the launch of Civilization 6, and its successor has some big shoes to fill. As the series steps into this new chapter, Civilization 7 is poised to either solidify or shake up long-standing trends, and it has already revealed a major shift in its release strategy.

Civilization 7 to Introduce a Revolutionary Release Approach

Historically, the Civilization series has been closely associated with PC gaming, a preference largely dictated by its genre. With the exception of its most recent predecessor, the franchise has traditionally shied away from console releases. Although Civilization 6 eventually made its way to consoles, it did so through ports that arrived long after the game's initial launch.

For instance, Civilization 6 debuted exclusively on PC in October 2016. It wasn't until 2017 that a port for the Nintendo Switch became available, followed by PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions in 2018. This delay meant that console players had to wait up to two years to experience the latest installment.

It's likely that many dedicated Civilization fans have gravitated toward PC gaming because of this pattern, rather than out of pure preference. The delayed availability on consoles has likely suppressed the potential player base on those platforms. Additionally, since the game wasn't originally designed with consoles in mind, those who played it there may have had a less optimized experience compared to PC users.

Civilization 7 to Defy Series Tradition with Console Launch

Civilization 7 aims to address both issues head-on. Publisher 2K has already confirmed that the game will be available on consoles, ensuring those players won't be left out. However, the real game-changer lies in the timing of the console release.

In a move that will surprise long-time fans, Civilization 7 is set to launch simultaneously on both PC and consoles. This marks a first for the series and is a welcome change. While an earlier console release would have been a step in the right direction, the decision to go for a simultaneous launch suggests even more significant shifts might be on the horizon.

August 20 Gameplay Reveal: The Decisive Moment for Civilization 7

Releasing on both platforms at the same time indicates that the console version was an integral part of the development process from the beginning. Strategy games often face challenges when adapting to console controls, and a poor port can undermine the experience. However, the fact that Civilization 7 is being designed for simultaneous release suggests that the developers are committed to ensuring a seamless experience across all platforms.

For now, discussions about Civilization 7 remain speculative, but that will soon change. The first official gameplay trailer is set to debut during a showcase on August 20, and it could be a turning point for the game's anticipation. The innovative release plan has already ignited hope among console fans and could signal a broader shift in the developers' focus.

Civilization 7 carries the weight of a storied legacy. While some traditions have helped define the series, others have constrained its growth. The series' previous reluctance to fully embrace consoles has limited its reach, but Civilization 7's upcoming release may be the beginning of a new era, expanding the game's audience and setting a bold precedent for future titles.