Exciting developments are unfolding in the world of *Civilization 7*, as dataminers have uncovered hints of a fourth, unannounced Age. This comes amidst a revealing interview with IGN, where Firaxis hinted at their ambitious plans for the game's future.
In *Civilization 7*, players journey through three distinct Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. Each Age culminates in an Age Transition, a pivotal moment where players choose a new civilization to represent their empire, select Legacies to carry forward, and witness the evolution of the game world. This innovative system is a first for the *Civilization* series, adding a new layer of strategy and immersion.
Currently, the Modern Age in *Civilization 7* concludes before the onset of the Cold War. Lead designer Ed Beach confirmed this timeline in the IGN interview, detailing how Firaxis meticulously chose the end of World War 2 as the game's cutoff point. "We spent a lot of time looking at the ebbs and flows of history," Beach explained. The decision to end the Antiquity Age around the 300 to 500 CE period was influenced by the simultaneous challenges faced by major empires worldwide. The transition from Exploration to Modern was inspired by the revolutionary upheavals of the 18th and 19th centuries, while the Modern Age ends with the pivotal shifts following the World Wars.
The tease of a potential fourth Age sparked immediate interest among players. Executive producer Dennis Shirk hinted at expansive possibilities, suggesting that the game's design allows for rich, age-specific content. "You can imagine the possibilities with this, honestly," Shirk remarked, leaving fans eager for more details.
Dataminers have already begun exploring the game, which is available in advanced access for those who opted for early purchase. Redditor ManByTheRiver11 discovered references to the Atomic Age, alongside mentions of new, unannounced leaders and civilizations. These findings align with Firaxis' strategy of expanding the game through DLC, much like previous titles in the series.
In the meantime, Firaxis is actively addressing community feedback, responding to the 'mixed' user review rating on Steam. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick, in an interview with IGN, expressed confidence that the "legacy Civ audience" would grow to appreciate *Civilization 7* as they spend more time with it, describing the game's early performance as "very encouraging."
For those looking to master *Civilization 7*, our comprehensive guides offer invaluable tips on achieving every victory, understanding the major changes from *Civilization 6*, and avoiding common pitfalls. We also delve into the intricacies of map types and difficulty settings to ensure you're fully prepared for your journey through history.
