Firaxis, the developer behind the popular Civilization series, is taking significant steps to ensure authentic cultural representation in the upcoming Civilization 7. After facing criticism for their portrayal of Indigenous peoples in previous games, the studio has established a partnership with the Shawnee Nation to create an accurate depiction of the civilization and its famous leader, Tecumseh.
A New Approach to Cultural Representation
The collaboration between Firaxis and the Shawnee Nation marks a shift in how the game developer approaches historical and cultural content in the Civilization series. This partnership aims to address past missteps and create a more respectful and authentic portrayal of Indigenous cultures.
Key aspects of this collaboration include:
- Months-long consultation with Shawnee representatives
- Incorporation of the Shawnee language, voiced by a Shawnee actor
- Imagining futuristic Shawnee structures and language evolution
- Substantial financial contribution to Shawnee language preservation efforts
Tecumseh as a Playable Leader
Tecumseh, a renowned Shawnee chief, will be a playable leader in Civilization 7. His inclusion comes with special attention to historical accuracy and cultural sensitivity. In the game, Tecumseh will specialize in diplomacy and defense, with unique abilities that reflect Shawnee cultural values and historical context.
Learning from Past Controversies
This initiative follows controversies surrounding the representation of Indigenous peoples in previous Civilization games. Notably, the inclusion of the Cree Nation in Civilization 6 drew criticism from Cree leaders for misrepresenting their cultural values.
Sid Meier, the creator of the Civilization series, acknowledged the need for a more thoughtful approach to historical representation, stating, We never realized people would take it as seriously as they do. We always kind of felt, 'Here's a way that you can change history.' Maybe we can make Stalin a good guy. But that might have been stretching things a little too far.
Implications for the Gaming Industry
Firaxis's partnership with the Shawnee Nation sets a new standard for cultural representation in historical strategy games. This approach not only enhances the game's authenticity but also contributes to real-world efforts in cultural preservation.
As the gaming industry continues to grapple with issues of representation and cultural sensitivity, Civilization 7's development process may serve as a model for future collaborations between game developers and the cultures they seek to portray.
Civilization 7 is highly anticipated by fans of the series, with the Shawnee civilization available as part of the Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack DLC. While a release date has not yet been announced, this partnership suggests that players can look forward to a more nuanced and respectful portrayal of world cultures in the next installment of this beloved strategy game franchise.