Summary
Arriving almost a decade after the release of the series’ sixth entry, the recent reveal trailer for Firaxis Games’Civilization 7came as welcome news for gamers who’d been awaiting the strategy series’ latest sequel. Though details about the gameplay inCivilization 7remain scarce, players can safely assume that the long-awaited title will likely follow the same winning formula as its predecessors. But even though the overall gameplay loop inCivilization 7is unlikely to stray too far from what’s come before, Firaxis could still introduce innovation to the franchise by adding a series-first globe map to the game.
The in-game map wasn’t revealed during theSummer Game Fest trailer forCivilization 7,which took viewers on a time-hopping tour of the different eras they’ll experience throughout the game, but the layout of maps will likely follow the same format as in previous titles. While players can typically choose the size of the maps they play on inCivilizationtitles, the in-game world behaves like a cylinder where the east-west edges wrap around to meet each other. Including a proper globe-shaped map type inCivilization 7would not only mark an evolution of this familiar formula but also open the door to exciting new gameplay possibilities.
Adding a Globe Map to Civilization 7 Is a Logical Progression for the Series
AlthoughtheCivilizationserieshas seen numerous innovations over the years, with each new entry and expansion introducing new gameplay elements, the structure of the in-game maps has remained relatively consistent. Regardless of which map players choose, they’re limited to a rectangular world where the northern and southern borders are barricaded by ice. Adding a spherical map type to the gamewould eliminate these icy polar barriers, allowing for full traversal of the map and making the world ofCivilization 7look and feel more realistic.
The Civilization series has introduced several new gameplay elements over the years, but the map design has remained the same.
Just as adding new gameplay systems like natural disasters in theCivilization 6: Gathering Stormexpansionhelped the in-game world more closely resemble the real one, the same would hold true for a globe map type. And while gettingCivilization’s iconic hex titles to wrap neatly around a sphere could require some creative workarounds on Firaxis’ part, adding a globe-shaped map to the game would be a logical progression for the series. Adding this new map type wouldn’t just be an aesthetic improvement, though, it would also create new gameplay options.
Removing Civilization 7’s Map Boundaries Would Open the Door to New Possibilities
Adding a globe map type to the mixwould let Firaxis introduce some excitingnew gameplay possibilities forCivilization 7. One of the biggest benefits of this more realistic map would be the ability to have every major civilization present on the map at once. This would let players create truly global in-game alliances, drawing on the support of friendly civilizations from all corners of the world. Conversely, players seeking a military victory would be able to unleash chaos on a previously unimaginable scale.
Civilization 7 Could Feature the Series’ Most Reactive World Yet
It’s not only the various civilizations that could exist simultaneously on this new map type, it could also allow for in-game events that affect the entire world. Thereactive events inCivilization 6already let players’ actions impact the game world, andCivilization 7could expand on this. From refining mechanics like the coastal flooding introduced withGathering Stormto adding new events like solar flares that could bring down power systems worldwide, Firaxis would have plenty of options.
By introducing a globe map type toCivilization 7, Firaxis could take a big leap forward in terms of having theiconic strategy seriesmore closely resemble the real world. If backed up by systems that allowed for a truly global interconnection of the game’s core mechanics, from war and politics to research and exploration, it could even makeCivilization 7the series’ most realistic and reactive entry yet.
