Summary
Civilization 7could reap some substantial benefits from going through an early access period before fully going to market. The game is bound to be hyped before release due to being a part of the successfulCivilizationseries in the first place. However,Civilization 7should use more than its name in order to drum up fan enthusiasm. Going into early access would be a good opportunity for the game for a few reasons. It would be far from the first game to enjoy an early access period, but it could do wonders forCivilization 7as a whole.
While thetraditions thatCivilizationwas built onare tried and true, the series has steadily changed with each installment. The meta for each game changes not just because of the presence of different civilizations, but because the mechanics change between games as well. Players are still aiming for the same kinds of victories, be they domination, cultural, scientific, or otherwise. What changes is the way that they approach these victories. It’s almost inevitable thatCivilization 7will bring another big shift in the series' mechanics. With so much to keep track of leading up to release, early access may be for the best.
Civilization 7 Could Have a Lot To Gain From Early Access
Early Access Lets Fans Help Game Development Along
Early access could be helpful in testingCivilization 7’s game mechanicsbefore release. Anything new that’s added to the game will need to gel well with the general flow ofCivilization’s formula, and a great way to make sure thatCivilization 7will run smoothly is to have fans who are familiar with the series give it a test run. After all, the best way to see how a game plays is to play it, and early access players would surely provide plenty of feedback on what does or doesn’t work. Such a process could be crucial to ensuringCivilization 7’s quality on release.
Civilization’s Ever-Shifting Mechanics Would Benefit From Early Access
An early access period could also act as a hype engine. The civilizations andleaders added toCivilization 7will be a source of excitement, and giving players a chance to see how they work could give them a good feel for them ahead of the release date. In addition, a successful early access period can also lead to positive word of mouth surrounding the game. Good reactions can not only heighten fan enthusiasm, they can also draw interest from players who haven’t played aCivilizationgame before. Positive press can be a powerful thing, and early access could generate some forCivilization 7.
A great way to make sure thatCivilization 7will run smoothly is to have fans who are familiar with the series give it a test run.
Several Games Have Gotten Great Returns From Early Access
Civilization 7wouldn’t be the only modern game to go through early access. Games as popular asBaldur’s Gate 3andPalworldentered early access, and many of them have reaped the rewards. It’s not hard to see why several games have gone that route in recent years. WhileCivilization 7is far from an indie title, it can gain just as much from the process. It can be seen as an extra, particularly public step in the development process, both to show off and polish the game before release. Early access could be as useful toCivilization 7as it is to countless other games.
There is still plenty of development time beforeCivilization 7will be ready to go, whetherCivilization 7comes out in 2024or sometime afterward. However long the wait may be, some time spent in early access could prove to be highly beneficial to the game. A successful early access can help the game come out in the best condition possible, so it’s something that the developers should consider taking into account.
Sid Meier’s Civilization 6
WHERE TO PLAY
Civilization VIoffers new ways to engage with your world: cities now physically expand across the map, active research in technology and culture unlocks new potential, and competing leaders will pursue their own agendas based on their historical traits as you race for one of five ways to achieve victory in the game.Expansive empiresSee the marvels of your empire spread across the map like never before. Each district, wonder, and improvement is built on its own hex, allowing you to customize your city to your heart’s content. From the Commercial Hub to the Spaceport, every district provides unique and powerful bonuses. Pick and choose which districts to build to fit your needs! Build better than your opponents, place yourself strategically for your allies, and become the best civilization on Earth.Active ResearchBoost your civilization’s progress through history to unlock powerful bonuses before anyone else! To advance more quickly, use your units to actively explore, develop your environment, and discover new cultures. Research isn’t just limited to science. Explore the Civics tree to unlock powerful new governments and cultural policies Cultivate the civilization that fits your playstyle, or switch it up every time you play!Dynamic diplomacyAs the game progresses, so do your diplomatic relationships. From primitive first interactions where conflict is a fact of life, to late game alliances and negotiations. Carry influence with nearby city states to gain its diplomatic allegiance and earn game-changing city-state bonuses. Enlist spies to gather crucial intel on rival civilizations, steal precious resources, and even topple governments.
