The Nintendo Switch's Impact on Firaxis' Approach to Civilization Game Development

The success of Civilization 6 on the Nintendo Switch caught Firaxis off guard, as the studio had not anticipated the game's popularity on the console. Traditionally, Firaxis focused on developing games for PC, with console versions often being handled by other studios. However, the Switch's unique blend of portability and accessibility led to a significant overlap between Firaxis' core PC audience and new players who were drawn to the game's convenience. Executive producer Dennis Shirk notes that the studio was surprised by the number of PC players who purchased the game on Switch, citing the ability to take their games on the go as a major factor. As a result, Firaxis has decided to develop Civilization 7 with a multiplatform approach, releasing the game on all platforms simultaneously. This shift has required significant changes to the studio's development process, including the creation of multiple levels of detail for game assets and a greater emphasis on optimization for console hardware. Firaxis has partnered with Behaviour Interactive to assist with console ports, but the studio is actively involved in the process to ensure that the game meets its quality standards. The new approach has also led to changes in how the studio builds assets, with a focus on creating assets that can be easily adapted for different platforms. The Civilization team has grown to accommodate the changes, with an increased focus on AI, narrative, and world-building. The game features a new narrative system, which presents players with decisions and story bits that enhance the game's world-building. The development of Civilization 7 has been a challenging process, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the studio to adopt a hybrid work environment. Despite the challenges, the studio is confident that the changes will result in a unique and engaging game that will appeal to both new and experienced players.