How civilization paves the way for Native American representation

As February approaches, Civilization 7 comes with it. As a core component of the game, empires and their leaders are stuck in the heads of those eager to play, from well-known figureheads to those not seen in the franchise. But, in all subsequent games Citizen 2A Native American leader makes an appearance.

is the cornerstone of history civilization However its gameplay makes history separate from reality. The games aim high for better representation of all citizens with a history of caring for Native Americans, especially where accuracy of language is concerned. In the next installment, Tecumseh of the Shawnee tribe will continue this legacy, again raising the question of how to show the franchise for these communities.

related to

The best tribal characters in video games

Indigenous characters in games are slowly becoming more common, leading to better representation of these characters in video games.

Civilization's original leaders raise the necessary discussion

The Tecumseh civilization of the Shawnee touches down at 7

New addition of civilizationLeaders are influential. Growing up in the shadow of the Revolutionary War, Tecumseh is best known for rallying Native Americans from several tribes against the Americans in the War of 1812. Tecumseh was a rallying cry of unity against violent American expansion that took advantage of tribal disunity, representing that point of view. his death.

As originally reported by The American Press, Firaxis contacted Shawnee Tribal Chief Ben Barnes and visited the tribe's headquarters to advance honest representation of the Shawnee, and they specifically focused on preserving the Shawnee language. Firaxis and 2K Games are donating to language revitalization programs as part of the collaboration, and Shawnee actor Dean Dillon will lend his voice to Tecumseh.

While very specific mechanics Citizen 7 Until now unknown, basic information on Tecumseh places him primarily as a diplomatic and militaristic leader, with increased food and production based on city-state suzerain status. But how Shawnee appears in the game, their development Civ Presence continues the conversation regarding placing tribal leaders in a game that represents expansion and exploitation at its core.

Civ's Shawnee presence could right the wrongs of the past

Sid Meier and other studio executives also spoke to the AP “in recognition of past missteps civilization The franchise's casual treatment of history, how it involved indigenous groups and colonization more broadly. Indigenous representation still has a long way to go, and for everyone civilizationits achievements, it is not exempt from the efforts made for a complete and accurate framing of indigenous peoples.

Civ is consistent in including natives in some form, but the extent of its cooperation with the Shawnee is the first. Citizen 6The Cree nation's poundmaker received criticism from headman Milton Toutosis. He said it perpetuates the myth of First Nations leaders partaking in the game's colonial values, despite Poundmaker's actual role in peacekeeping. Tutosis also said the Cree were not consulted. On the other hand, Poundmaker's leader abilities greatly reward players for friendship. Similarly, in 2010, Pueblo tribal leaders rejected Firaxis' proposal to include a leader altogether. Both examples, at least, call for a reasonable collaborative effort.

While civilization As this is a strategy game that operates entirely in the act of civilizational dominance, there is a big question of supporting the pernicious imperialist view of Native Americans, especially if such leaders are militaristic. For a franchise on the throne of historical games, discussions about nuance and the larger message are essential.

Sid Meier's superpowers are focused on expansion

At each level, the civilization The franchise's attention to detail is one of its most impressive parts, from its elaborate systems to stunning visuals to remarkable linguistic achievements. But its developers must deliberately represent important historical figures who claim to be accurate, especially where Native Americans are involved. Fortunately, the work of the Shawnee tribe in the next game spells a very bright future.