In an exciting collaboration, the makers of Civilization 7 are partnering with the Shawnee tribe to ensure a sincere and accurate representation of the tribe in the upcoming game. The Chief of the Shawnee Tribe, Ben Barnes, who himself has a passion for video games, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity. He shared how he spent countless hours playing Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri as a young gamer.
The Civilization series, known for its empire-building gameplay, has been a favourite among millions of players worldwide. However, as society’s awareness of cultural appropriation and historical accuracy has evolved, game developers have become more mindful of representing diverse cultures respectfully. Previous missteps in the franchise involving Indigenous groups led Firaxis to approach the Shawnee tribe for their input and approval.
For Chief Barnes, this collaboration is not only a chance to showcase the strength and heritage of the Shawnee people but also a way to inspire tribal members by seeing themselves represented in a popular video game. The partnership between Firaxis and the Shawnee tribe involves extensive collaboration to ensure an authentic portrayal of Shawnee culture in the game. This includes creating new Shawnee words for futuristic concepts and incorporating elements of the tribe’s language and history.
The game’s developer, Sid Meier, recognised the significance of working closely with the Shawnee tribe to portray their culture respectfully. The addition of Tecumseh, a renowned Shawnee leader, as a playable character in Civilization 7 represents a step towards more inclusive and accurate representation of diverse cultures in video games. This partnership also includes contributions towards language revitalisation programs and facilities for the Shawnee tribe.
The decision to involve the Shawnee tribe in the game development process reflects a shift towards greater cultural sensitivity in the gaming industry. By collaborating with Indigenous communities and incorporating their perspectives, game developers aim to create a more authentic and meaningful gaming experience for players. The effort to represent the Shawnee culture in Civilization 7 highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in the world of gaming.