Firaxis Games
Firaxis Games business and news from across the web.
Civilization 7 devs talk 20th century leaders, controversial historical figures, and dealing with colonialism in 4X strategy gamesFiraxis is discussing design choices for Civilization 7, including the inclusion of 20th-century leaders and controversial historical figures. The developers are also addressing how to represent colonialism in the 4X strategy genre, acknowledging the challenges of moving away from traditional expansion and profit-driven mechanics.
Civ 7 adds new maps, hotseat multiplayer, and more impactful governments - plus another pricey DLC bundleCivilization 7 has received a new update (1.4.1) that introduces new maps, a revamped Happiness system, and hotseat multiplayer. Alongside this, the 'Brush and Blade Collection' DLC has launched, adding Japanese and Korean factions and leaders, though its $29.99 price point has drawn criticism from players.
Civilization 7 finally gets hotseat local multiplayer via a new update out today, which also makes cities moodier and overhauls governmentsFiraxis has released an update for Civilization 7, adding local hotseat multiplayer functionality that allows multiple players to take turns on a single PC. The update also introduces a new archipelago map type, deeper city mood mechanics, and government system overhauls, alongside the first part of the Brush and Blade DLC featuring Japanese civilizations.
XCOM miniatures game revealed, with an upgradable base and co-op adventure campaignA new XCOM miniatures game, XCOM: The Miniatures Game, has been revealed and is set to launch in late 2026. This solo and co-op adventure wargame, based on XCOM: Enemy Unknown, will feature an upgradable base and technology research. Pre-orders begin in July, with a head-to-head mode pitting players against an alien menace also included.
Civilization is the most iconic turn-based series of all time, but Sid Meier considered making it an RTS: 'It could have easily gone in different directions'Sid Meier, the creator of the Civilization series, revealed that the iconic turn-based strategy game was initially considered as a real-time strategy title, similar to Age of Empires. Meier and Bruce Shelley explored this direction after the success of Railroad Tycoon, but ultimately decided that a turn-based approach would better suit the game's complexity and accessibility. Despite this, the exploration of RTS concepts influenced later games like Age of Empires and Rise of Nations.
As Civilization 7's lengthy revitalisation continues, much-requested hotseat multiplayer is one of several new features arriving next weekFiraxis is releasing a major update for Civilization 7 next week, version 1.4.1, which will introduce the highly requested hotseat multiplayer mode. This update also includes a revamped Archipelago map, overhauled Governments and Happiness systems, and various bug fixes. Additionally, the first part of the paid Brush & Blade DLC, focusing on Korean and Japanese history, will launch alongside the free update.
I wish Bungie would stop designing excellent multiplayer shooters and go back to making fantasy strategy games where you…This article expresses a desire for Bungie to return to developing strategy games like the Myth series, rather than focusing solely on excellent multiplayer shooters such as their new game Marathon. The author highlights the unique tactical squad management and physics-based combat of Myth, lamenting that the games are not readily available digitally or easily playable on modern systems, unlike Bungie's current output.
Star Wars Zero Company Preorders Are Live: Here’s What’s In Every EditionPreorders are now live for Star Wars Zero Company, a turn-based tactics strategy game developed by Bit Reactor, set for release on August 27 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. Both the Standard and Digital Deluxe Editions are available, with preorder bonuses including the Crystalline Astromech Cosmetic Pack. The Digital Deluxe Edition also features unique Clone Wars-era cosmetic items and the Shadow Collective DLC pack.
Star Wars Zero Company: How Some of the Greatest Minds in Tactics Games are Pushing the Genre, AgainStar Wars Zero Company, the debut title from Bit Reactor, a studio founded by former Firaxis developers, is a turn-based tactics game set during the Clone Wars. Players will lead a company of mercenaries, customizing their protagonist Hawks and recruiting a diverse roster of characters. The game blends RPG storytelling with XCOM-style tactical combat, featuring a deep bond system between characters and a specialization system for combat roles.
The Summer Game Fest showcase proves that PC is still the place to beThe Summer Game Fest 2026 showcase strongly emphasized PC as the primary platform for upcoming games, with most titles confirmed for PC release. Several new games, including Final Fantasy 7: Revelation, Last Harbor, and Chronicles: Medieval, were highlighted as PC exclusives or having strong PC presence. The article argues that PC remains the best platform for accessing new releases, demos, and modding capabilities, reinforcing its central role in the gaming industry despite shifts in console strategies.
Star Wars Zero Company confirmed for August release as former XCOM devs debut action-packed gameplay trailerStar Wars Zero Company, a new strategy game from XCOM veterans at Bit Reactor, will launch on August 27 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X. The game features turn-based tactical gameplay set during the Clone Wars, with players controlling a mercenary outfit called Zero Company.
Summer Game Fest 2026 everything announced for pc so far – and a few rumours thrown in for good measureSummer Game Fest 2026 is set to feature numerous game announcements, with a focus on PC titles. Confirmed reveals include gameplay for Star Wars: Zero Company, a new trailer for Maverick Games' Clutch, and an update for Among Us. Rumors suggest potential announcements for Guild Wars 3, an expansion for The Witcher 3, and Persona 6.
Hands On: Civ 7's Big Free PS5 Update Feels Like a Soft RelaunchFiraxis has released a major free update for Civilization 7, titled 'Test of Time,' which aims to address player feedback and effectively relaunch the game. Key changes include removing era-locked civilizations, introducing an optional 'Triumphs' system to replace Legacy Paths, and revamping victory conditions for a more decisive endgame. The update also brings quality-of-life improvements and adds Alexander the Great as a free leader.
Civ 7's massive overhaul update brings its highest Steam player count in over a yearFiraxis Games has released the 'Test of Time' update for Civilization 7, an expansion-sized overhaul that includes new features and reworks existing systems. The update has led to a significant increase in concurrent players on Steam, reaching its highest count in over a year, though player reception remains mixed regarding the extent of the improvements and ongoing issues like UI complaints and DLC pricing.
The Problems with Piecemeal DLCThis article discusses the challenges of integrating downloadable content (DLC) into games, using Phoenix Point and its fan mod Terror From the Void as a primary example. It explores how piecemeal DLC can disrupt game balance and player experience, contrasting focused expansions with segmented content packs. The Terror From the Void mod is highlighted for successfully rebalancing and integrating all DLC from the start, offering a more cohesive experience.
The long awaited Civilization 7 Test of Time update is here, bringing a huge suite of changes with itFiraxis Games has released the highly anticipated Test of Time update for Civilization 7. This major update introduces the ability for players to guide any civilization outside of its historical Apex Age, a feature long requested by the community. The update also revamps Legacy Paths into Triumphs and overhauls the Victory conditions with new scoring systems.- Civilization 7 Is A Completely Different Game Following The Test Of Time UpdateFiraxis Games and 2K have released the 'Test of Time' update for Sid Meier's Civilization VII, significantly altering core gameplay mechanics. The update reintroduces persistent civilizations across ages, revamps the victory condition system with 'Triumphs,' and adds new content like Alexander the Great. This update aims to address community feedback and enhance the game's appeal across PC and consoles.
"There are people who couldn't believe what we had done": How Civilization 7's devs worked with players to get its huge Test of Time overhaul rightFiraxis has overhauled Sid Meier's Civilization 7 with the 'Test of Time' update, addressing player feedback regarding campaign structure and agency. The update reintroduces playing as a single Civilization throughout a campaign and replaces legacy paths with optional 'triumphs' for victory conditions. Developers Ed Beach and Gavin Schembari discuss the iterative process of working with the community to find the right balance of player freedom and game design.
What happened when one game writer tried making a game in 30 days with GodotA game writer details their 30-day journey creating a game using the Godot engine, aiming to assess its approachability for solo developers. Despite encountering common development hurdles and bugs, the author found Godot to be a more accessible tool compared to larger engines, ultimately fostering a sense of accomplishment for a solo creator.
Civilization 7 Is A Completely Different Game Following The Test Of Time UpdateFiraxis Games and 2K have released the 'Test of Time' update for Sid Meier's Civilization VII, significantly reworking core gameplay mechanics. The update reintroduces the concept of 'Time-Tested Civs' that persist through age transitions, replaces the Legacy Path system with a new Triumphs system across six attributes, and decouples victory conditions from Triumphs, allowing for earlier pursuit. The update is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and for mobile via Apple Arcade.