Civilization 7: One Last Frontier Awaits After VR Expansion

After its release on Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation, Civilization 6 quickly became the franchise’s most successful installment, surpassing the sales of its PC-only predecessor, Civ 5, by an impressive 3 million copies. This success can largely be attributed to the broad appeal of console ports. Therefore, Firaxis and Take-Two were eager to repeat this winning strategy with Civilization 7 right from the start.

This latest chapter in the iconic 4X series hit the shelves simultaneously on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and even the Nintendo Switch, and a virtual reality version is also slated for release in the spring. With just one more platform remaining to conquer, the path for Civilization 7 is clear, drawing from a rich history in mobile gaming.

In 2008, Firaxis introduced Civilization Revolution, a console-focused spin-off aimed at attracting new players by offering a simplified entry point into the series and the 4X genre. Although not as complex as earlier mainline games, it provided an engaging strategy experience. By 2009, it had found its way onto the iPhone, marking the franchise’s first foray into mobile gaming. While critics appreciated its faithful adaptation, its interface and technical aspects faced some criticism.

Five years later, in 2014, Civilization Revolution 2 arrived exclusively on iOS and Android, receiving mixed reviews. Fans admired its graphics and mobile performance but were disappointed by its lack of innovation compared to the 2009 release. However, in 2020, the series finally broke new ground with a comprehensive mobile rendition of a mainline title. Aspyr, known for its recent Star Wars game ports, brought Civilization 6 to iOS and Android with great success. The mobile version featured intuitive touch controls and retained the original’s integrity with minimal compromise.

Recently, Civilization 6 joined Netflix’s growing library of mobile games, providing subscribers the chance to enjoy it at no extra cost. This version, bundled with the Rise and Fall and Gathering Storm expansions, arguably performs even better than its 2020 predecessor. As Civilization’s mobile adaptations continue to improve, the stage is set for potentially introducing Civilization 7 to mobile platforms.

Nevertheless, before venturing into mobile territory, Firaxis should address certain issues in Civilization 7, particularly concerning its user interface and the absence of some features from earlier games.

Interestingly, the gameplay of Civilization 7 seems well-suited for mobile adaptation. The game introduces substantial changes to the familiar formula, none of which would hinder a transition to mobile. It even includes some features lending themselves to mobile gameplay; for instance, the Steam Deck version employs touchscreen functionality, and the console version has integrated a radial menu for more intuitive control.

Already performing well on the Nintendo Switch, a platform less powerful than many modern smartphones, Civilization 7’s transition to mobile seems not just possible but plausible. With each step, it becomes increasingly clear that Civ 7 could find its next frontier in the mobile landscape, possibly redefining how strategic gaming is experienced on the go.