Dataminers have uncovered hints of a fourth, unannounced Age in Civilization 7, sparking excitement among fans. The game, developed by Firaxis, already features a unique Age system where players progress through three distinct Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. Each Age concludes with an Age Transition, where players select a new civilization, retain certain Legacies, and witness the evolution of the game world. This system is a novel addition to the Civilization series.
The Modern Age in Civilization 7 concludes before the Cold War, specifically at the end of World War 2, as confirmed by lead designer Ed Beach in an interview with IGN. Beach explained that the choice to end the game at this point was deliberate, aiming to align the game's chapters with significant historical shifts. The transition from Antiquity to Exploration was set around the fall of major empires around the 300 to 500 CE period, while the shift to the Modern Age was inspired by revolutionary movements in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Beach also noted that the team, guided by senior historian Andrew Johnson, aimed to capture a global perspective on history, not just focusing on Western events. This approach influenced the decision to end the Modern Age with the World Wars, a pivotal moment that allowed for new gameplay mechanics specific to each Age, including changes in diplomacy, warfare, and available commanders.
When asked about future expansions, executive producer Dennis Shirk hinted at the possibility of adding a fourth Age, potentially the Atomic Age, which could introduce space exploration and modern units. Although Shirk did not confirm specifics, dataminers have already found references to the Atomic Age and unannounced leaders and civilizations within the game's code.
Firaxis is also addressing community feedback, as Civilization 7 has received a 'mixed' user review rating on Steam. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick remains optimistic, suggesting that the game's core audience will appreciate it more with time, and described the game's early performance as "very encouraging."
For players eager to master Civilization 7, our comprehensive guides cover everything from achieving various victories to understanding the game's significant changes from Civilization 6, avoiding common mistakes, and navigating different map types and difficulty settings.
