The franchise is a major player in strategy gaming, known for its interesting mix of historical simulation and strategic gameplay, but this success poses a challenge for the next game, .
While players enjoy the early parts of the game filled with exploration, many find that the late stages become tedious due to excessive micromanagement – a problem the developers recognized and wanted to fix.
But it's not just about pacing; also needs to create a unique identity that sets it apart from its predecessor, . The ongoing popularity of is a reminder that the new game should bring real innovations. If doesn't stand out, many players might stick with the familiarity of , which could hurt the new title's chances.
By reimagining the idea of 4X games, is looking to significantly change the gameplay experience to keep the series strong. takes a new direction from previous games in the series by changing how gameplay is structured.
Instead of following a continuous line of progression, the game is divided into different historical Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern.