Introduction

Firaxis Games, the renowned developer behind iconic strategy titles like Civilization and XCOM, has experienced a significant shift in its approach to game development due to the unexpected success of Civilization 6 on the Nintendo Switch.

A Surprising Success

Historically, Firaxis focused primarily on PC games, catering to a dedicated audience that values the depth and complexity that comes with the platform. However, when Civilization 6 launched on the Switch, the studio was surprised to find that not only did it attract new players, but many of its loyal PC gamers were purchasing the game for the handheld console as well.

"We didn't anticipate the Switch becoming such a popular platform for our titles," revealed Executive Producer Dennis Shirk. "We wanted to know if players would engage with a game like Civ on a handheld, and to our astonishment, they did. This realization compelled us to think differently about our future titles."

Adapting to a Diverse Player Base

The success of Civilization 6 on the Switch highlighted the need for Firaxis to cater to its diverse player base. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, with the power of modern consoles such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X comparable to high-end PCs, the decision to develop Civilization 7 for multiple platforms simultaneously seemed only natural.

Shirk noted, "It's a significant challenge, but we have an exceptional team and we want to ensure that Civ 7 plays well on all devices." To achieve this, Firaxis partnered with Behavior Interactive for seamless porting while maintaining control over the game's development process.

Rethinking Development

This hands-on involvement has driven Firaxis to rethink how it builds game assets. Previously, the team didn't focus on creating Level of Detail (LOD) models for consoles, but now, with the Switch and other consoles as a priority, they are dedicating ample resources to developing multi-tiered asset levels suitable for varying hardware capabilities.

A Bold New Direction

In addition, Firaxis has adopted a more ambitious model in creating Civilization 7. Breaking away from the traditional framework of balancing new, returning, and improved features (the 33/33/33 model), the team is taking a bolder approach to innovation. Shirk admitted that this shift might be daunting, but the aim is to create something revolutionary that stays true to what fans love about the series while encouraging them to explore new strategies.

Integrating Narrative Elements

Significantly, Firaxis is expanding its team for Civilization 7, integrating a narrative team for the first time, which will enrich player experiences through individualized quests and storytelling. This new narrative system will introduce players to unique scenarios such as discovering abandoned sites or engaging in choices tied to historical figures, adding layers of depth to the gameplay.

Challenges in Development

However, the development process was not without its hurdles. The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the studio into remote work, greatly impacted the creative flow that came from in-person interactions. Shirk reminisced about how spontaneous brainstorming sessions in the studio had led to some of their best ideas, including features in Civ 6.

To adapt, Firaxis has moved to a hybrid work model, ensuring that the core team can collaborate effectively on-site a few days a week while still maintaining flexibility.

Conclusion

With over eight years since the launch of Civilization 6, Civilization 7 is shaping up to be a groundbreaking entry in the franchise, demonstrating how a changing industry landscape and a global pandemic have pushed Firaxis to innovate while staying true to what makes their games timeless classics.

Looking Ahead

Will Civilization 7 redefine strategy gaming as we know it? Stay tuned for more updates!