Sid Meier’s Civilization 7is going to be an interesting project to watch unfold.Radical changes to theCivilizationformula, like the new Ages mechanic, promise to make for a meaningfully distinct gameplay experience compared to previous entries in the series, but hopefully such changes will buttressCiv’s already-existing strengths, rather than alter them fundamentally.
Among the most interesting changes to the basic strategic tools ofCivilization 7is the new Influence resource, which will be used for in-game diplomacy. TheCivilizationfranchise has long offered diplomatic solutions as an alternative to aggression or coercion, with features like the Warmonger Penalty being implemented with the aim of balancing runs and punishing an overly rigid playstyle. Crucially, mechanics like these don’t actually restrict the player. Rather, they deepen the in-game systems and make runs more nuanced and reactive: if a player wants to reject diplomacy entirely, they can do so, but the game will react accordingly. It seems that this philosophy is nurtured through the new Influence resource.
How Civilization 7’s Influence Resource Can Improve Diplomacy Runs
How Influence Will Work in Civilization 7
Influence will function as a yield, similar to Culture and Science in previousCivilizationgames. Like those resources, it can be leveraged for a variety of different negotiations and other strategic maneuvers, including:
It also seems like Influence can be used to help players get out of a tough spot, asCivilization 7previewshave noted that the resource can be spent to prevent relations between nations from worsening. Reportedly,Civilization 7will put a relatively low maximum cap on Influence, encouraging players to spend it regularly. Based on these early impressions, Influence appears to be a streamlined combination of various other systems, like Alliances and Friendships fromCivilization 6.
Why Quantifying Diplomacy Could Improve Civilization 7’s Gameplay
Diplomacy has always been important inCivilization, as maintaining positive, or at least tolerable, relationships with other civilizations can ensure long-term safety, favorable trade circumstances, and a variety of other desirable factors. But in many ways, the series' systems of diplomacy are nebulous and abstract, requiring players to experiment and often leading to underwhelming results. Indeed, the greatest use of diplomacy for most players will be either to gradually increase resources or to avoid conflict with more powerful nations.
But by tying diplomacy to a specific resource,Civilization 7may be able to make these systems both more engagingand rewarding for those who choose to adopt a diplomatic playstyle. Non-violent runs, for instance, can be more consistently gratifying, as Influence can accrue and ultimately be spent for tangible benefits. In other words, communicating the importance of diplomatic actions through an in-game resource, with strict, objective parameters, could lead to more enjoyable gameplay, with greater possibilities for worthwhile experimentation and player expression.
Having Influence function as just another resource, similar to Faith, Culture, et cetera, could also helpmakeCivilization 7more accessible, as first-time players can more easily understand how diplomacy functions.
Having said all that, diplomacy shouldn’t be totally boiled down to the Influence resource. Codifying and quantifying diplomatic power could be a boon for players looking to strengthen in-game relations, but removing all ambiguity from these dynamics could wind up robbingCivilization 7of some of the mystery and immersion of its predecessors.Sid Meier’s Civilizationis defined by strategy, but at the end of the day, it can also serve as a strong role-playing experience, and getting too deep into the numbers could undermine that.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
WHERE TO PLAY
The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter.Sid Meier’s Civilization® VIIempowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known!InCivilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement.Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.Whether you choose to follow a path rooted in history or reimagine possibilities to chart your own way forward, build something you believe in and create a legacy that echoes through the Ages inCivilization VII.
