2K has officially announced that Civilization 7, the next game in its popular turn-based strategy 4X franchise, is in development. Popularity for the series has grown significantly since Sid Meier led the development of the original Civilization for release in 1991. Over 30 years later and Firaxis Games remains true to Meier's vision for the series. While Civilization 7 will undoubtedly be a step forward from Civilization 6, fans know exactly what to expect from the sequel and that's what keeps them loyal to the franchise.It has now been over six years since the release of Civilization 6, but Firaxis Games has by no means taken a break from the franchise. Civilization 6 has received Firaxis' most robust post-launch support yet, putting out civilization packs, scenario packs, major expansions like Rise and Fall and Gathering Storm, free updates like Red Death, and most recently its popular Frontier Pass and Leader Pass. Civilization 6 content is still rolling out today, evidence of the devotion fans have for the series. The announcement of Civilization 7's development comes with relatively little fanfare. A message was posted to the official Civilization Twitter account stating, "Hot off the presses. Next Civ game in development!" Heather Hazen, new head of studio for Firaxis Games, described Firaxis' efforts as taking the Civilization franchise to "exciting new heights." Also confirmed, Civilization 6 director Ed Beach will continue as creative director for Civilization 7.
News of the Civilization sequel's development wasn't delivered entirely unprompted, however. It's being made off the back of confirmation that XCOM 2 and Marvel's Midnight Suns director Jake Solomon is leaving the company. Rather than let disappointing studio leadership turmoil news linger, Firaxis chose to start its new era with a big announcement. It could be looked at as a reset button being pressed at Firaxis.
It's worth noting that the title Civilization 7 has not been confirmed, though that's certainly what those in the Civilization fanbase will refer to it as for the foreseeable future. It's possible that Firaxis will choose a new naming convention, going with simply Civilization or perhaps adding a new subtitle. It's also possible Firaxis will go in a different direction with its next Civilization game, like making a fantasy or sci-fi spin-off of Civilization. It may even be a licensed partnership. It's too early to tell.
With Firaxis just coming off of finishing Marvel's Midnight Suns, though there's still plenty of post-launch content to come, the development of Civilization 7 is likely still getting up to full speed. As such, it seems likely that there are years of development yet. Firaxis will hopefully keep Civilization fans apprised of the state of development in the coming months and years.
Civilization 7 is currently in development.