Civilization

Civilization, computer game series created in 1991 by Sid Meier and published by his U.S.-based MicroProse computer software company.

Meier had experience creating flight simulator games prior to his work in the “God game” genre, where players have total control over multiple facets of the game. Meier created Railroad Tycoon first and built upon the success of its more involved game-play, expanding on the format in Civilization. In this latter game, which involves a single player competing against the game software, the player first selects a civilization and then develops it, while sharing the virtual world and its resources with a number of computer-controlled civilizations. Players can control diplomatic relations and trade with other civilizations, oversee the economy of their own civilizations, and use their military forces aggressively or as a deterrent. There are a number of ways to win the game, including militarily, through diplomacy, or with a space-race victory.

Subsequent related games have created one of the most successful series in computer gaming history. Sequels to the game or add-on packs to a specific version of the game have improved the game’s graphics; given the player more choices of leaders, civilizations, and in-game units; and expanded upon the number of ways to win the game and interact with competitors. Fan sites and official forums provide a venue for amateur “modders” to modify the game’s units and scenarios and to share modifications with other players to further enhance the quality, variety, and performance of the game. Civilization set the standard for all subsequent strategy-based games and “God games”, two overlapping genres that comprised the most popular style of video game in the early 2000s.