Civilization VII: Firaxis Says One More Turn Syndrome is Terminal

June 13, 2024

Civilization VII: Firaxis Says One More Turn Syndrome is Terminal

Just when you thought it was safe to have a social life again, Firaxis drops the announcement that will destroy productivity worldwide: Civilization VII is coming February 2025. Time to pre-emptively call in sick for the entire month and explain to your family why you'll be muttering "just one more turn" in your sleep again.

What's Confirmed for Civilization VII?

Firaxis is keeping details close to their chest, but here's what we know will ruin your life:

Ages System - Instead of playing one civ from ancient to modern, you'll evolve through distinct ages. Because apparently we needed MORE reasons to restart when Rome gets tanks before you discover pottery.
Leaders Can Change - Mix and match leaders with different civs. Napoleon leading America? Sure, why not. Historical accuracy is for textbooks.
Navigable Rivers - Finally! No more settling one tile away from a river like a complete amateur. Your ships can actually use rivers. Revolutionary.
Simultaneous Turns - Multiplayer that doesn't take 17 hours per session. Your friends might actually finish a game with you.

The Graphics Got a Glow-Up

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: Civ VI looked like a mobile game had a baby with a Saturday morning cartoon. Civ VII is going for a more "realistic but still readable" art style. Think Civ V grew up and got a job but still remembers how to have fun.

Visual Improvements:

Leaders that don't look like Pixar rejects
Terrain you can actually distinguish without squinting
Cities that grow visually as they develop
Wonder cinematics that won't make you immediately hit ESC

New Civilizations: The Usual Suspects Plus Surprises

While the full roster isn't revealed, expect:

The Guarantees: Rome, Egypt, America, and England because tradition demands it. If Alexander the Great isn't in at launch, we riot.

The "Finally!" Additions: Civs that have been requested since the dawn of time. Looking at you, Switzerland and the various African kingdoms that aren't just "Zulus again."

The Weird Ones: Because every Civ game needs that one leader that makes you go "who?" when you see them. Can't wait for the inevitable "actually, they were quite influential" Reddit posts.

Gameplay Changes That Actually Matter

Crisis Events - Natural disasters and plagues that aren't just "lose 1 population and move on." Actual game-changing events that force adaptation.
Commanders - Military units that provide area buffs. Finally, a reason to protect that Great General beyond achievement hunting.
Influence System - Soft power that isn't just "spam rock bands until cultural victory." Actual diplomatic maneuvering that matters.
Tech/Civic Progression - Non-linear paths that make sense. No more researching satellites before discovering that wheels are round.

Community Reactions: Predictably Chaotic

The Civ community's response has been exactly what you'd expect:

"But will it have [obscure feature from Civ IV]?" - The eternal question from players who peaked in 2005.

"Day one DLC is killing gaming!" - Posted by someone with 3,000 hours in Civ VI and all its DLC.

"This looks too different/similar to Civ VI" - Schrödinger's sequel criticism.

"Just give us Alpha Centauri 2!" - The comment on every Firaxis announcement since 1999.

The Real Questions

Will it launch with:

Proper AI that doesn't declare war with 3 warriors against your tank army?
A UI that doesn't require a PhD to understand?
Multiplayer that actually works?
Steam Workshop support day one?
That addictive "one more turn" gameplay that ruins lives?

Pre-Order Editions Because Capitalism:

Standard Edition: The game
Deluxe Edition: The game plus 5 DLC packs you'll buy anyway
Founder's Edition: All of the above plus digital art you'll never look at
"Mortgage Your House" Edition: Probably includes a statue of Gandhi with nuclear launch codes

Should You Be Excited?

Yes if:

You've ever lost track of time and realized it's 4 AM on a work night
You understand that "one more turn" is a binding legal contract
You've planned military campaigns in previous Civ games with more detail than actual generals
You're ready to learn 47 new mechanics just to play the game you already know
Your Steam library is just different versions of Civilization

Maybe wait if:

You value your relationships, job, and general wellbeing
You're still working through your Civ VI achievements (see you in 2030)
You think "4X" is a clothing size

Civilization VII is coming whether we're ready or not. Start preparing your excuses now for why you can't attend social events in February 2025. Practice your "I'm sick" voice for work calls. Stock up on coffee and snacks.

Remember: sleep is for the weak, and the weak don't build empires that stand the test of time. See you in February, fellow addicts. May your starts be coastal and your neighbors be peaceful (until you need their land).