As Civilization 7 Dataminers Discover Reference to the Atomic Age, Firaxis Says 'We're Excited for Where This Is Going'

Civilization 7's Development: A Fourth Age on the Horizon?

Dataminers have uncovered hints suggesting Civilization 7 will feature a fourth, unannounced Age, a claim subtly supported by Firaxis in an IGN interview. Currently, the game comprises three Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern, each culminating in an Age Transition. This transition involves choosing a new civilization, selecting retained Legacies, and witnessing a world-altering evolution – a unique feature in the Civilization series.

The Modern Age, as currently implemented, concludes before the Cold War, ending around World War II. Lead designer Ed Beach explained Firaxis' decision to IGN, emphasizing their focus on historical periods marked by significant shifts. The Antiquity Age's conclusion, around 300-500 CE, coincides with the decline of major empires globally. The shift from Exploration to Modern reflects the impact of revolutions challenging established monarchies. Finally, the end of the Modern Age reflects the pivotal changes following World War II. Beach highlighted the importance of these breaks aligning with historical realities to support the unique gameplay mechanics introduced with each Age.

The possibility of a fourth Age, potentially encompassing the Space Age, was hinted at by executive producer Dennis Shirk, who, while not confirming specifics, alluded to the potential for expansion given the game's Age-specific systems, visuals, units, and civilizations.

This speculation is further fueled by datamined evidence, revealed by Redditor ManByTheRiver11, referencing an "Atomic Age," along with new leaders and civilizations – a pattern consistent with Firaxis' DLC strategy for previous Civilization titles.

While addressing negative Steam reviews, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed confidence in Civilization 7's long-term success, believing the initial negative feedback from some press and players will subside as players become more familiar with the game.

For players seeking to conquer the world in Civilization 7, IGN offers various guides covering victory strategies, key differences from Civilization VI, common mistakes to avoid, and explanations of map types and difficulty settings.