How to Fuck Up Your Successful Game Franchise

Civilization as a series has basically been a license for Firaxis to print money for the last twenty years. Until they took it for granted and made Civilization VII, which was a disaster on several levels: It was much worse than previous games of the series. But not only with respect to its deep gameplay, which only hardcore players very much in the turn-based strategy game niche would detect. It was also obviously a worse game, just by casually looking at the interface. And to top it all off, they raised the price of the game from €60 to €70. Or even €100, some would argue, because they shifted things that used to be in the base version to the Deluxe Edition.

The launch of Civilization VII is like a masterclass in how not to launch a game. It’s currently discounted by 30% on Steam and, at the same time, has less players than both its predecessors — one of which is 15 years old now! I think we’re looking at a new record in how to ruin your successful game franchise.