2K has announced Civilization: Eras & Allies, a standalone free-to-play mobile 4X social strategy game.
Civilization: Eras & Allies is actually the new name for a mobile game called Conquests and Alliances – 4X Empire Builder, which 2K had been testing in soft-launch form in several countries for the past few months.
2K is in the process of updated the game to a new name, Civilization: Eras & Allies, and said it planned to continue the testing and development process in soft-launch.
Here’s the existing blurb on Conquests and Alliances – 4X Empire Builder:
Embark on a journey through the ages of history and forge your path to glory in Conquests & Alliances – 4X Empire Builder. Step into the shoes of legendary leaders and command empires that have shaped the world. From the legions of Julius Caesar to the strategic genius of Sun Tzu, the choice is yours. Will you conquer kingdoms with an iron fist or lead your empire with benevolence? In this real-time strategy (RTS) game, the fate of empires rests in your hands.
Conquests & Alliances brings history to life like never before. Immerse yourself in intricate landscapes, witness the rise and fall of world empires, and experience the weight of your decisions as you navigate governance, warfare, and diplomacy. Command armies in real-time war battles, explore the technology, science, and military strength of different ages and cultures, and witness ancient wonders like the Great Pyramids and the Roman Colosseum as you lead your empire to victory.
Conquests & Alliances takes 4X games and empire building to the next level with time-limited game seasons that add a thrilling twist to your war conquest journey. Each season offers distinct challenges and opportunities to delve into the cultures and empires of different historical periods: from ancient civilizations to medieval kingdoms and beyond. Time-limited game seasons offer exclusive rewards and bonuses, as well as exciting competition. Unleash your creativity and discover unique abilities, leaders, science, and technology available during the season.
In a bid to calm community concern that this new mobile game may impact or delay development on the next mainline Civilization title, a 2K spokesperson told IGN developer Firaxis is working with an external developer on Civilization: Eras & Allies, although the company declined to reveal the identity of the developer when quizzed.
“As part of our continued efforts to explore and expand into new audiences, Civilization: Eras & Allies is in soft launch in limited territories. Civilization: Eras & Allies is a new standalone free-to-play mobile 4X social strategy game, featuring exciting new gameplay mechanics designed with the mobile social strategy gamer in mind.”
And here’s an official statement that stresses the continued focus of Firaxis Games on the next mainline Civilization game:
“As we announced earlier this year, Firaxis Games is in active development on the next iteration of the legendary Civilization franchise. We are working with an external partner specializing in mobile social strategy games to develop Civilization: Eras & Allies.”
Firaxis announced Civilization 7 earlier this year alongside news that former COO Heather Hazen had become the new studio head. Civilization 6 launched in 2016, and since then, the studio has released XCOM: Chimera Squad and, most recently, Marvel’s Midnight Suns, which reviewed well but sold poorly. Midnight Suns creative director Jake Solomon and longtime Firaxis boss Steve Martin both exited the company. Then, in May, Firaxis was hit by a round of layoffs that affected about 30 staff.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].
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