Developer Firaxis has announced significant changes to its upcoming title, *Civilization 7*, as it aims to enhance player experience by addressing feedback regarding the game’s Ages system. According to a recent update on Steam, the studio is currently playtesting options that would allow players to bypass this controversial feature, enabling them to maintain control of a single civilization throughout the entire game.
The Ages system, which is a central component of *Civilization 7*, has sparked discussions among the gaming community due to its limitations. Firaxis has indicated that it is exploring “dramatic changes to the Legacy Paths and Victories,” although specific details remain sparse. The objective is to provide players with greater flexibility in how they develop their empires.
One of the most sought-after features under consideration is the ability to play continuously as a single civilization across different Ages. This approach would allow players to select any civilization, such as ancient Egypt or the United States, and guide them through various historical periods without the restrictions imposed by the current Ages system. This design mirrors the gameplay mechanics from earlier *Civilization* titles, which enabled continuous control from the dawn of history to the modern era.
Firaxis is keen to rebuild the flow of earlier iterations of the franchise, where players could experience a more cohesive journey through time. The developer acknowledges the mixed reception of the new Ages system and is eager to offer both traditional and new gameplay styles.
In an effort to engage directly with the community, Firaxis has launched the *Firaxis Feature Workshop*, a new initiative designed for select community members to test upcoming features prior to their official release. This initiative aims to gather feedback on what works well, areas needing improvement, and any additional features that players would like to see.
For those interested in participating, Firaxis plans to share further details on application processes through the *Civilization 7 Discord* channel. This move underscores the developer’s commitment to incorporating player input into the game’s evolution.
As *Civilization 7* approaches its launch, Firaxis is demonstrating a proactive approach to game development, prioritizing player feedback and striving to enhance the overall gaming experience. With these potential updates, the studio hopes to strike a balance between innovation and the familiar gameplay mechanics that long-time fans cherish.
