Firaxis' Shift in Strategy: How the Nintendo Switch Impacted Civilization Development

Firaxis, renowned for its expertise in PC game development, particularly with the Civilization and XCOM series, encountered an unexpected phenomenon with the release of Civilization 6 on the Nintendo Switch. The game's success on the Switch, a platform that allowed for both home console and portable play, attracted not only new and lapsed players but also the studio's core PC audience. This crossover appeal prompted Firaxis to reconsider its development strategy, especially with the advent of more powerful consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, which rival the capabilities of modern PCs. As a result, the studio decided to develop Civilization 7 with a multiplatform approach in mind from the outset, aiming for a simultaneous release across all platforms. This decision marked a significant shift for Firaxis, as it traditionally focused on PC as its primary platform, with console versions often handled by other studios at a later stage. The involvement of Behaviour Interactive in the console ports, with Firaxis maintaining active control, has introduced a new collaborative model that differs from the traditional porting process. This change has necessitated adjustments in how assets are built, with a particular emphasis on creating multiple levels of detail (LODs) to ensure the game runs smoothly on the Switch and other consoles. The development of Civilization 7 has been characterized by its ambitious scope, departing from the previous 33/33/33 model, where 33% of the game is new, 33% is the same, and 33% is improved. Instead, the team has aimed for more significant innovation, which has been a challenging but rewarding process. The game features a new narrative system, expanded AI capabilities, and a larger team, including a dedicated narrative team, to deliver a unique experience that still retains the core DNA of the Civilization series. The development process has not been without its challenges, particularly the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the studio to adapt to remote work, a transition that proved difficult for a team accustomed to a collaborative, in-office environment. Ultimately, the experience with Civilization 6 on the Switch and the lessons learned during the development of Civilization 7 have positioned Firaxis for a new era in game development, one that embraces multiplatform releases and seeks to innovate within the beloved Civilization franchise.