Pro-Ukraine Twitter users criticize game developers for featuring Russian Civilization in video game
Pro-Kiev X users have criticized the developers of Civilization VII for featuring Catherine the Great, expressing demands for her removal from the game. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Users on X have expressed strong criticism towards the developers of Civilization VII for including Catherine the Great in the game.
The upcoming video game from Sid Meier’s Civilization series has ignited a significant debate regarding the historical narratives of Russia and Ukraine, especially regarding Empress Catherine the Great. A number of users supporting Kyiv have called for the removal of the Russian civilization from this latest version, given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Since the intensification of hostilities in February 2022, many Western nations have banned certain Russian artists from performing. Ukrainian authorities have been working for years to eliminate Russian influence from the public domain, a trend that has recently accelerated.
Moscow has consistently opposed these actions, claiming they represent attempts to “cancel” Russian culture.
Civilization VII is set for release on February 11 and continues a series that began in 1991. The game allows players to “assume the role of a famous historical leader” and “guide a civilization through history.”
Developers highlighted the inclusion of Russian Empress Catherine the Great, who ruled for over 30 years in the late 18th century, in their previews. Her reign included significant events, such as the Russian Empire's conquest of the Crimean Khanate and the annexation of the peninsula following the Russo-Turkish War.
In a promotional video on YouTube called “The Empress. Bow to Catherine the Great in the latest Civ 7 First Look,” the developers portrayed the Russian ruler as one who focused on modernization and had a deep appreciation for the arts and sciences. Players choosing the Russian civilization will have access to ‘Cossack’ military units and ‘Katyusha’ missiles—a reference to the renowned Soviet WWII multiple launch rocket system.
However, Catherine the Great's portrayal has not been well received by many pro-Kyiv users on X, who shared their frustrations in the comments on a Firaxis Games post. Some accused the developers of endorsing “Russian propaganda” by featuring a character seen as “contributing to the destruction of Ukrainian culture.”
Despite the backlash, not all comments echoed the outrage. One user remarked, “What’s with all the dumb Ukrainians in the comments? Russia is a major power in the world. It makes sense for them to be in the game.”
Civilization VII is developed by Firaxis Games, a US-based studio, and published by 2K Games. Although the publisher ceased operations in Russia after the Ukraine conflict escalated, reports from gamer-focused Russian media suggest that the game will still include Russian dubbing.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
The upcoming video game from Sid Meier’s Civilization series has ignited a significant debate regarding the historical narratives of Russia and Ukraine, especially regarding Empress Catherine the Great. A number of users supporting Kyiv have called for the removal of the Russian civilization from this latest version, given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Since the intensification of hostilities in February 2022, many Western nations have banned certain Russian artists from performing. Ukrainian authorities have been working for years to eliminate Russian influence from the public domain, a trend that has recently accelerated.
Moscow has consistently opposed these actions, claiming they represent attempts to “cancel” Russian culture.
Civilization VII is set for release on February 11 and continues a series that began in 1991. The game allows players to “assume the role of a famous historical leader” and “guide a civilization through history.”
Developers highlighted the inclusion of Russian Empress Catherine the Great, who ruled for over 30 years in the late 18th century, in their previews. Her reign included significant events, such as the Russian Empire's conquest of the Crimean Khanate and the annexation of the peninsula following the Russo-Turkish War.
In a promotional video on YouTube called “The Empress. Bow to Catherine the Great in the latest Civ 7 First Look,” the developers portrayed the Russian ruler as one who focused on modernization and had a deep appreciation for the arts and sciences. Players choosing the Russian civilization will have access to ‘Cossack’ military units and ‘Katyusha’ missiles—a reference to the renowned Soviet WWII multiple launch rocket system.
However, Catherine the Great's portrayal has not been well received by many pro-Kyiv users on X, who shared their frustrations in the comments on a Firaxis Games post. Some accused the developers of endorsing “Russian propaganda” by featuring a character seen as “contributing to the destruction of Ukrainian culture.”
Despite the backlash, not all comments echoed the outrage. One user remarked, “What’s with all the dumb Ukrainians in the comments? Russia is a major power in the world. It makes sense for them to be in the game.”
Civilization VII is developed by Firaxis Games, a US-based studio, and published by 2K Games. Although the publisher ceased operations in Russia after the Ukraine conflict escalated, reports from gamer-focused Russian media suggest that the game will still include Russian dubbing.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
