Does Civilization VII Accurately Teach History? A Deep Dive into Gaming and Education

Civilization VII has sparked debate about its historical accuracy. While it immerses players in the rise and fall of global civilizations, the game simplifies complex events and timelines to prioritize gameplay. This leads to questions about its role in education—does it genuinely teach history or just entertain?

Does Civilization VII Really Teach History?

The highly anticipated Civilization VII is set to launch on Tuesday, 11th February, bringing another chapter to the legendary strategy game series. The game’s premise revolves around leading a civilization from ancient times to the modern era, making strategic decisions that shape history. While historians have contributed to its development, does Civilization VII truly serve as an educational tool, or is it just entertainment?

The Legacy of Civilization

Since its debut in 1991, the Civilization series has defined the 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) genre. Players control civilizations through different historical periods, engaging in diplomacy, warfare, technological advancement, and cultural expansion. The game has long been praised for its depth and complexity, but its educational value remains a topic of debate.

An image of Mohandas 'Nuclear' Gandhi, known online for his belligerent personality.

What’s New in Civilization VII?

Firaxis Games has introduced several changes in Civilization VII:

• Three distinct eras: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern.
• Dynamic civilization evolution: Players can switch civilizations mid-game.
• Leader selection freedom: Any historical leader can govern any civilization.
• Simultaneous release on PC and consoles: A first for the series.

These new features allow players to manipulate history even further, raising questions about its accuracy.

The Role of Historians in Development

Dr Andrew Johnson, an associate professor at Stockholm University and a consultant for the game, believes that Civilization VII can ignite historical curiosity. He states, “The game can be a gateway drug! Someone playing as Machiavelli might become curious about who he was.” This suggests that while the game may not replace academic study, it can inspire further exploration.

Can Video Games Teach History?

Video games have long been a tool for engaging with history. Jean-Baptiste Rejalot, a history teacher, notes, “Our interest in the past often starts in childhood, through films, books, and games. In this sense, video games can indeed serve as an entry point.”

Many players have reported learning about historical figures and events through Civilization. A user on the Civilization VI subreddit shared how playing the game helped them win a quiz round by recalling Tenochtitlán as the capital of the Aztec Empire.

The Limitations of Learning Through Gaming

Despite these benefits, Dr Romain Vincent, a history teacher and researcher, cautions that no direct study proves a correlation between playing historical video games and learning history. He explains, “Students often learn more about how to play the game rather than gaining deep historical knowledge.”

He also points out that video games prioritise gameplay balance over historical accuracy. For example:

• Civilizations often exist alongside others they never encountered.
• Technologies progress in a simplified, linear fashion.
• Leaders rule for thousands of years, which is unrealistic.

Historical Accuracy vs. Game Mechanics

Civilization VII, like its predecessors, incorporates real historical events, figures, and wonders, but it does so with gameplay-first logic. The game aims for entertainment, sometimes sacrificing accuracy for balance and fun.

For example:

• Gandhi, historically a pacifist, is famously depicted as a nuclear aggressor due to a programming glitch in early games.
• The game presents a Great Man Theory of history, where influential figures change the world alone, rather than acknowledging broader societal factors.
• Wars are simplified, omitting key geopolitical complexities.

The Role of Critical Thinking in Historical Games

While Civilization VII may not teach history in a traditional sense, it does encourage critical thinking. Players must consider diplomacy, trade, cultural development, and the consequences of war. These mechanics mirror real-world challenges, helping players understand historical cause and effect.

Dr Rejalot notes, “Engaging in curiosity-driven research outside of the game—reading about figures, checking historical contexts—can be considered part of the historical method.”

Other Video Games That Explore History

Although Civilization is among the most famous historical games, other titles also incorporate history:

• Crusader Kings III: A medieval strategy game focusing on dynasties and political intrigue.
• Total War series: Blends real-time combat with turn-based empire management.
• Assassin’s Creed: Uses real-world settings and historical figures.
• Chants of Sennaar & The Return of the Obra Dinn: Puzzle-based games that require historical investigation.

An image showcasing the Museum Mode in Assassin’s Creed Origins. ©Ubisoft.

These games often push players to question sources, analyse events, and think critically—key skills for understanding history.

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII - Gameplay Reveal Trailer

The Science Behind the Debate

Historians differentiate between general knowledge and historical methodology. While Civilization VII provides a broad understanding of history, it does not teach the historical process—the structured investigation of past events.

Dr Vincent explains, “History is not just about remembering facts. It’s about questioning sources, understanding biases, and reconstructing narratives. Games like Civilization give the illusion of academic rigour but should be viewed as a starting point, not a definitive source.”

The Educational Potential of Civilization VII

Despite its limitations, Civilization VII does offer educational benefits:

• Geography & Civilization Awareness: Players learn about historical empires and their locations.
• Strategic Thinking: Managing diplomacy, warfare, and economies provides insight into historical decision-making.
• Inspiration for Further Learning: Many players research historical events and figures outside of the game.

Conclusion

So, does Civilization VII truly teach history? The answer is yes and no. It introduces historical concepts, fosters curiosity, and encourages strategic thinking, but it does not replace academic study. The best way to use it as a learning tool is to combine gameplay with external research—reading books, exploring documentaries, and questioning historical narratives.

As Dr Vincent concludes, “If playing Civilization encourages someone to pick up a history book, then it has done its job.”