Civilization
Sid Meier's 1991 turn-based strategy game about building an empire.
Where Civilization comes up1 episode or test
- 1Borrow from three genresBoard games, SimCity, wargames
- 2Package for ordinary playersAlmost anyone could enjoy it
- 3Make strategy legitimateIt had meant slow and complicated
- 4Spawn the 4X genreMaster of Orion, Stellaris, Humankind
From Sid Meier on Civilization
What was said about Civilization
Civilization blended familiar genres so almost anyone could enjoy strategy. Civilization borrowed from board games, SimCity and wargames and packaged them so ordinary players could enjoy it. Sid Meier says strategy had been a bad word that meant slow and complicated, and the game made it a legitimate genre.
It went on to spawn the 4X genre, including Master of Orion, Stellaris and Humankind. The takeaway is that lowering the entry barrier of a niche category can widen its audience. In the source's words, it "put it all together in a way that meant almost anyone could enjoy it".
The History of Every Video Game Genre
It blended board games, SimCity and wargames and made strategy safe for everyone, in Meier's words. It led to the 4X genre, including Master of Orion, Stellaris and Humankind.
Civilization blended familiar genres so almost anyone could enjoy strategy. Civilization borrowed from board games, SimCity and wargames and packaged them so ordinary players could enjoy it. Sid Meier says strategy had been a bad word that meant slow and complicated, and the game made it a legitimate genre.
It went on to spawn the 4X genre, including Master of Orion, Stellaris and Humankind. The takeaway is that lowering the entry barrier of a niche category can widen its audience. In the source's words, it "put it all together in a way that meant almost anyone could enjoy it".
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