In Virtual Reality News
February 11, 2025 – 2K and Firaxis Games have recently announced that Sid Meier’s Civilization VII – VR will bring the long-running strategy game series to virtual and mixed reality (VR/MR) for the first time. Developed by PlaySide Studios in collaboration with Firaxis Games and published by 2K, the VR version adapts the content of the PC and console release of Civilization VII for Meta Quest 3 and 3S, incorporating features designed for immersive gameplay.
The game retains the series’ traditional top-down perspective, placing players at the “Command Table,” a virtual environment where they can oversee and manage their civilizations. Players can zoom out for a broad strategic view or examine details such as units, cities, and Wonders up close. The game also supports mixed reality, allowing the Command Table to integrate into the player’s physical space.
In addition to the VR and MR interface, Civilization VII – VR maintains the core mechanics of the series, where players assume the role of historical leaders competing for dominance through military, cultural, diplomatic, or economic means. In this version, AI-controlled leaders appear around the Command Table during diplomatic interactions, allowing players to engage with them in a more immersive setting. The game also introduces The Archives, a feature that visually records a player’s civilization history through interactive dioramas. Gameplay speed has been adjusted compared to the PC version, with faster-paced default settings optimized for shorter VR sessions.
The game supports single-player, as well as cooperative and competitive multiplayer for up to four players. Both AI and human opponents can be included in matches, with players represented in VR and MR as their selected world leaders.
Like previous entries in the Civilization series, Civilization VII follows the 4X strategy model where players “explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate” in order to develop their civilizations from antiquity to the modern era. Players can achieve victory through various means, including military conquest, scientific advancement, cultural influence, and economic strength. The game introduces new mechanics, including distinct historical Ages with varying civilizations, resources, and systems.
Unlike previous titles, leaders and civilizations are no longer fixed pairs, enabling players to combine different historical figures with various nations. Furthermore, several gameplay elements, such as settlement expansion and infrastructure development, have apparently been streamlined.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII – VR is scheduled for release on Meta Quest 3 and 3S in Spring 2025. The game is available for wishlist on the Meta Horizon Store.
Image / video credit: Sid Meier’s Civilization / Meta / YouTube
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About the author
Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.