Civ 7 Redefines What it Means to Be a Leader

Civilization's leaders are as iconic as the civilizations themselves. Firaxis' approach to choosing each nation's representative has evolved significantly over the years. Let's explore Civilization VII's roster and how it redefines leadership.

← Return to Sid Meier's Civilization VII main article

Civ VII Redefines What it Means to Be a Leader

Civilization leaders have always been central to the series' identity, shaping gameplay since the first game. Each leader embodies their civilization, making them as crucial as the civilization itself. While their role remains constant, the types of leaders have diversified with each installment, refining the very definition of leadership within the game.

This exploration delves into Civilization's history, examining the evolution of its leader roster, the changes in each iteration, and how Civilization VII uniquely redefines leadership.

Early Civ: A Club of Superpowers

The original Civilization featured a relatively simple roster compared to later games. Most were established global superpowers or figures from antiquity.

With limited design scope and technical capabilities, the game included only 15 civilizations, featuring America, Rome, Greece, Japan, China, France, Egypt, and Russia, among others. Leadership was straightforward; leaders were historical heads of state. The selection prioritized widely recognized figures.

This resulted in leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Mahatma Gandhi, and Julius Caesar, alongside more controversial figures like Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin. Elizabeth I was the sole female leader. This was a direct, almost textbook approach—the most straightforward the series has ever seen. While understandable for its time, Civilization's approach evolved rapidly.

Civ II Through V: Increasing Diversity and Creativity

Civilization II expanded the roster and included lesser powers like the Sioux alongside established superpowers like Spain. Significantly, it introduced a separate roster of female leaders, providing both male and female options for each civilization.

The definition of "leader" broadened. Figures pivotal to their civilization's identity, even if not heads of state, took center stage. Examples include Sacagawea for the Sioux and Amaterasu for Japan.

Civ III integrated more female leaders into the main roster, with six in total. Some replaced historically dominant male counterparts; Joan of Arc replaced Napoleon for France, and Catherine the Great replaced Stalin for Russia.

Civ IV and Civ V significantly expanded the roster and the definition of leadership. Leaders were no longer solely heads of state; revolutionaries, generals, reformers, and even consorts became common. Traditional figureheads were replaced or doubled up (e.g., Wu Zetian replacing Mao Zedong for China, Victoria I and Elizabeth I for England). Civilization's narrative broadened beyond the famous to encompass a wider representation of humanity.

Civ VI: A More Spirited Roster

Civilization VI saw increased characterization, diversity, and creativity, presenting leaders as stylized animated caricatures. Leader Personas—alternative versions emphasizing different aspects of a leader's personality—offered diverse playstyles. Lesser-known figures from less prominent civilizations joined the roster.

Lautaro of the Mapuche, Bà Triệu of Vietnam, and Queen Gorgo of Sparta are prime examples. Leaders were no longer defined solely by their entire legacies but by specific chapters of their lives, foreshadowing Civ VII's approach. Multiple leader options for civilizations were introduced (e.g., America under Lincoln or Roosevelt; China under Qin Shi Huang, Wu Zetian, or Yongle). Leader Personas further diversified gameplay.

Civ VII: Fresh Faces and Unique Leaders

Civilization VII features the most diverse and creative roster yet, with unconventional leaders, multiple personas, and carefully curated selections for different playstyles. The mix-and-match approach to civilizations and leaders allows lesser-known figures to take the spotlight.

Harriet Tubman, the American abolitionist, is a notable example, filling a unique spymaster role. Niccolò Machiavelli, despite not being a head of state, embodies his diplomatic works. José Rizal of the Philippines is another example, focusing on diplomacy and narrative events.

Over nearly 30 years, Civilization has evolved from a game about superpowers to a diverse representation of humanity's great minds. The definition of leadership has changed, but its significance remains.

← Return to Sid Meier's Civilization VII main article

Sid Meier's Civilization VII Similar Games