Dataminers for Civilization 7 have discovered hints of a potential fourth Age, and in a recent interview with IGN, Firaxis has hinted at their future plans for the game. A full campaign in Civilization 7 currently spans three Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. Each Age concludes with an Age Transition, during which players select a new civilization, choose which Legacies to carry forward, and witness the evolution of the game world—a novel feature for the series.
The Modern Age in Civilization 7 concludes before the onset of the Cold War, as confirmed by lead designer Ed Beach. He elaborated on how the game's timeline was carefully crafted, ending with the conclusion of World War 2. Beach explained the historical reasoning behind the division of Ages, emphasizing the global shifts that marked the end of each era. Antiquity ends around the 300 to 500 CE period, reflecting the collapse of major empires worldwide. The transition from Exploration to Modern is characterized by revolutionary upheavals, such as the French and American Revolutions. The Modern Age ends post-World War 2, a significant pivot in history, allowing for new gameplay mechanics unique to each Age.
When asked about future expansions, executive producer Dennis Shirk hinted at possibilities without confirming specifics. He expressed excitement about the potential directions for the game, given the rich systems and content tailored to each Age. Following this tease, players with advanced access have datamined the game, uncovering references to an unannounced Atomic Age, along with new leaders and civilizations, aligning with Firaxis' traditional DLC strategy.
In the meantime, Firaxis is addressing community feedback to improve the game's reception, which currently holds a 'mixed' user review rating on Steam. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick remains optimistic, believing that the dedicated Civilization audience will grow to appreciate the game over time.
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