Home News Civilization 7 Dev Firaxis Says 'There's Hope for Gandhi, Yet'

Civilization 7 Dev Firaxis Says 'There's Hope for Gandhi, Yet'

Author : Jonathan Update : Feb 22,2025

Civilization VII has arrived, but a familiar face is missing: Mahatma Gandhi. A staple of the series since 1991, his absence has sparked considerable discussion among fans.

Gandhi's omission isn't due to oversight, according to Civilization VII lead designer Ed Beach. In a recent interview, Beach confirmed that Gandhi's inclusion is planned, but as part of future DLC. He emphasized that Firaxis has a broader roadmap for adding civilizations, explaining that some, like Gandhi, are better suited for post-launch content.

Gandhi's return is slated for future Civ 7 DLC. Image credit: Firaxis.

Beach highlighted the challenge of balancing iconic historical figures with the introduction of fresh, exciting civilizations in the base game. He cited the previous absences of Mongolia and Persia in earlier Civilization titles as examples of similar decisions. While some key civilizations, such as Great Britain and Carthage (releasing in March 2025 as part of DLC), are being added later, the long-term plan includes bringing back beloved leaders like Gandhi.

The news offers a glimmer of hope for fans. However, Firaxis is currently focusing on addressing player feedback regarding Civilization VII's launch. Steam reviews have been mixed, citing concerns about the user interface, limited map variety, and missing features. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledged the negative feedback but expressed confidence in the game's long-term success, believing the core Civilization audience will appreciate the game more with continued play.

For those seeking to conquer the world in Civilization VII, resources are available to help. Guides covering victory strategies, key differences from Civilization VI, common mistakes to avoid, map types, and difficulty settings are readily accessible.