Summary
- Civilization 7 uses controversial Denuvo DRM for PC version to prevent piracy.
- Fans eagerly await game's release after an 8-year gap from last entry.
- Denuvo's history of controversy includes performance concerns and online play requirements.
Sid Meier's Civilization 7 will be using Denuvo DRM on the PC version of the game. As players wait to learn more about the long-awaited release, the basic detail has emerged on a store listing for Civilization 7.
Civilization 7 has fans of the series excited, as it's been nearly eight years since the last series entry's initial release. August 31 is going to be a big day for Civilization 7 fans, as a panel with the development team is being held at PAX West. While live gameplay won't be shared until September, this may be an opportunity for fans to find out what awaits them in Civilization 7 and how it varies from its predecessors.
Civilization Fans Sign Petition to Bring Back Popular Feature for Civ 7
Fans demand developer Firaxis Games include one particular feature in the studio's upcoming strategy title, Civilization 7.
However, players on PC may be upset to know that Civilization 7 is going to use the controversial Denuvo DRM anti-tampering software. The software is intended to keep illicit copies of the game from being played and the software from being altered. When running the game, Denuvo acts in the background, making sure that the copy of the game is legitimate. The Steam store listing for the game confirms its use of Denuvo, even though the system requirements for the game have yet to be confirmed.
The History of Gamers and Denuvo
Denuvo DRM has been around for a long time, and it's been controversial among gamers for almost as long. In theory, and according to Denuvo Software Solutions itself, the software should have little to no impact on a player's gaming experience. It's simply there to help prevent copies of games from being redistributed illicitly or otherwise tampered with. However, that hasn't stopped players from being upset about it and claiming that it does indeed have an impact on their PC gaming rigs.
Outside of that possibility, players also object to Denuvo DRM sometimes needing an internet connection. Generally, a game using Denuvo needs the internet to check if the copy is legitimate when first starting up the title, and after some types of significant changes to one's PC or the game, like major hardware installations or a game update. While rare, lacking an internet connection during these times could theoretically make the game unplayable until the system got back online.
Unfortunately, the frustration felt by gamers has been made worse in the past with the knowledge that Denuvo has been quickly cracked with major releases like Resident Evil 7 and Watch Dogs Legion. Of course, the company has undoubtedly retooled its software extensively since then, so it may be tougher to do so. Time will tell if players experience any frustrations with performance in Civilization 7, whether it's due to Denuvo or not.
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 79 /100 Critics Rec: 77%
- Released
- February 11, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ // Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Mild Language, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Firaxis Games
- Publisher(s)
- 2K
WHERE TO PLAY
The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier's Civilization® VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known!
In Civilization 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 in Civilization VII.
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Sid Meier's Civilization
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy, 4X
