“Unlocking the Power of History: How Civilization 7 Can Become a Gateway to Slower Learning Habits” Let me know if you need any further assistance!
The Fascinating World of Sid Meier’s Civilization 7: Where History Meets Fantasy
Have you ever found yourself battling with Harriet Tubman as Han Dynasty emperor Niccolò Machiavelli? If so, you’re not alone! I recently had the pleasure of playing Civilization 7, which is packed with historical information mixed with fantastical elements that make it an absolute blast to play. As I explored the game, I couldn’t help but wonder how these masterminds at Firaxis managed to weave so much historical wonder into their game.
To get a better understanding of how this creative process works, I spoke with Dr. Andrew Johnson, a senior historian and associate professor at Stockholm University’s Department of Social Anthropology. He shared his thoughts on the game’s ability to inspire an interest in history and its role in shaping our understanding of the world.
"The idea is to create a gateway to the textbook," Dr. Johnson explained. "People don’t read; they don’t read history. If someone plays Machiavelli, they might get really interested. We’re not trying to make a textbook – we’re trying to make a gateway that encourages people to explore and learn more about the world’s complex past."
A Fresh Take on Representation in History
One of the most interesting aspects of Civilization 7 is its willingness to experiment with representation in history. Gone are the days of European-centric views, replaced by a more diverse, global perspective. For Dr. Johnson, this is crucial in encouraging players to explore beyond the familiar.
"The ordinary history buff is often saturated in European and East Asian history, and doesn’t really look beyond that," Dr. Johnson said. "We’re pushing back against that tendency to overemphasize European history and instead want to showcase the dynamism of the world outside of Europe."
Breaking with Tradition: A New World of Possibilities
The upcoming release of Civilization 7 offers a fresh take on the classic series, with a new three-act structure, including an "Exploration Age" that encourages players to venture beyond their borders. In a world where history is often seen as something that can be won, is Europe still the dominant force?
"I want to counter the tendency to overemphasize European history," Dr. Johnson said. "We’ve got the Indian Ocean trade, the Pax Mongolica, the caravans on the Sahara – there are so many other ways to experience exploration and discovery. You don’t have to be a colonizer to win – and that’s what makes this game so exciting."
The Future of Historical Entertainment
As I closed my conversation with Dr. Johnson, I couldn’t help but think about the potential impact of Civilization 7 on the world. For a game that has been around for over 30 years, it’s clear that the team at Firaxis is still pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. With its emphasis on global representation and its commitment to inspiring a love of history, Civilization 7 is poised to be a game-changer.
The result? A game that’s not just about winning, but about exploring, discovering, and learning. As Dr. Johnson so succinctly put it: "If you appreciate the world’s strangeness, you can change your everyday as well. Then that opens up new worlds. That makes new worlds possible."
