Sid Meier's Civilization 7 developer breaks down the new leader mechanics, "it's one of the biggest changes we've made to the game and one of the scariest"

The Civilization 7 logo key art.

Sid Meier's Civilization 7, the next entry in the long-running strategy franchise, is shaping up to be a massive departure from everything that came before it. The upcoming game will feature a dramatically overhauled civilization system that will allow you to mix and match leaders and cultures to create your own unique take on history.

Each playthrough will also be split into distinct eras: the Antiquity Age, Exploration Age, and Modern Age. All three present their own challenges, with exclusive civilizations to play in addition to period-appropriate resources, civics, technologies, buildings, and units to discover. The transitions between these eras will offer the chance to select a fresh civilization, with a range of options determined by your previous choices. Those who start as ancient Egypt in the Antiquity Age, for example, might soon find themselves presented with the opportunity to command the Shawnee once the Exploration Age is underway.