'Civilization VI' update: Game releases Oct. 21; gameplay features include 12 districts

Civilization VI2k Games, Fireaxis Games

As reported by Hardcore Gamer, "Civilization VI" was teased a few weeks back, and during E3, Fireaxis Games' Peter Murray gave a presentation showcasing the mechanics and aesthetics of the new game. A more in-depth analysis was later given by lead designer Ed Beach during an interview with Gamespot

As stated in the interview, the game now allows players to expand their city through multiple tiles and one of the newest mechanics is the implementation of 12 different districts. Where a player places a district will lead to different bonuses. Building a religious district close to the mountains, for example, can lead to several bonuses that would be different compared to a science district being built there.

Terrain also leads to different options. By establishing a section into the desert a player can build a pyramid. It is further revealed that several structures can only be built on specific types of terrain. 

Placing districts next to each other, apart from each other and how they are located in relation to the central city will lead to different bonuses, allowing for more flexibility in terms of designing the player's civilization. This level of variety and flexibility also blends into the game's use of leaders.

Leaders, such as Theodore Roosevelt or Cleopatra, have different goals and the card system from the previous games will be returning to allow more functionality in terms of how each leader affects their civlization. 

According to Beach, all of this was designed so that players become more active in the development of their civilization instead of having some units be automated. Despite this, everything else has been automated such as the calculation of bonuses so that the game is still easier for newcomers to hop right in no matter how intricate the game can be.

"Civilization VI" releases for the PC on Oct. 21. No word yet has been announced regarding a possible console launch.