Civilization's leaders are as iconic as the civilizations themselves, and how Firaxis selects each nation's representative has evolved over time. Dive in to discover how Civilization VII redefines leadership and showcases its diverse roster.

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Civ VII Redefines What it Means to Be a Leader

Leaders have been integral to the Civilization series since its inception, forming the backbone of each civilization's identity and gameplay. From the first game to the latest, leaders have remained a constant, evolving alongside the series to reflect the diversity and complexity of real-world history. Each new title brings fresh innovations, redefining what it means to lead and how leaders impact the game.

Let's journey through Civilization's history to explore how the roster has evolved, what changes each game introduced, and how Civilization VII pushes the boundaries of leadership with its unique selection.

Old Civ Was a Superpowers Club Only

Sid Meier's original Civilization game, a pioneering 4X title, featured a straightforward roster of 15 civilizations. These included major powers from the early '90s and historical antiquity, such as America, Rome, Greece, Japan, China, France, Egypt, and Russia. Leadership was defined strictly by historical heads of state, with well-known figures like Abraham Lincoln, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Mahatma Gandhi, and Julius Caesar taking the helm. The inclusion of controversial leaders like Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin, alongside Elizabeth I as the only female leader, reflected a simple yet clear approach to leader selection.

Civs 2 Through 5 Increase Diversity and Creativity in Increments

With Civilization II, the roster expanded to include lesser-known civilizations like the Sioux and additional superpowers like Spain. A notable innovation was the introduction of alternative female leaders for each civilization, broadening the definition of leadership to include influential figures beyond heads of state, such as Sacagawea and the goddess Amaterasu.

Civilization III further diversified the roster by integrating more female leaders directly into the game, with figures like Joan of Arc and Catherine the Great replacing male counterparts.

By the time Civilization IV and V arrived, the series had significantly expanded both its roster and its definition of leadership. Leaders now included revolutionaries, generals, reformists, and consorts, showcasing a broader spectrum of human history. Notable changes included Wu Zetian replacing Mao Zedong in China and the inclusion of both Victoria I and Elizabeth I for England, highlighting the series' shift towards a more inclusive narrative.

Civ 6 is When The Roster Starts to Get Spicy

Civilization VI marked a significant leap in characterization, diversity, and creativity. Leaders were brought to life as animated caricatures, and the introduction of Leader Personas allowed for different versions of the same leader, each with unique playstyles. This innovation welcomed lesser-known heroes like Lautaro of the Mapuche and Bà Triệu of Vietnam, alongside familiar faces like Queen Gorgo of Sparta.

Leaders were now defined by specific periods or aspects of their lives, exemplified by Eleanor of Aquitaine's dual leadership of France and England, and Kublai Khan's rule over both the Mongols and China. Multiple leader options for civilizations, such as America under Lincoln or Roosevelt, and China under Qin Shi Huang, Wu Zetian, or Yongle, further diversified the gameplay. The integration of Leader Personas added even more variety, with alternate versions of leaders like Catherine de Medici, Theodore Roosevelt, and Victoria.

Civ 7 Forgoes Series Staples for Fresh Faces and Unique Leaders

Civilization VII takes leader selection to new heights, featuring the most diverse and creative roster yet. By adopting a mix-and-match approach, the game allows for unconventional leaders and multiple personas, tailored to various playstyles. Harriet Tubman, known for her role in the Underground Railroad, emerges as a spymaster, while Niccolò Machiavelli embodies self-serving diplomacy. José Rizal of the Philippines adds a focus on diplomacy and narrative events, elevating Manila from a mere city-state to a full civilization.

Over nearly three decades, Civilization has evolved from a game focused on superpowers to a rich tapestry of diverse leaders, each contributing to the broader story of humanity. The concept of leadership has transformed dramatically, yet the importance of these figures remains constant. As we look forward to future iterations like Civilization VIII, we can appreciate the ever-evolving narrative woven by the series' rosters.

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