Civilization 7 Partners with Shawnee Tribe for Authentic Portrayal of Tecumseh
Staff Editor Shawnee Tribe Collaborates with Firaxis for Authentic Representation in Civilization 7
In an unprecedented move, Firaxis Games has partnered with the Shawnee Tribe to include leader Tecumseh in the upcoming Civilization 7, marking a significant step towards authentic cultural representation in video games.
Shawnee Tribe Chief Ben Barnes, a long-time fan of the Civilization series, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. “This partnership offers a unique opportunity to promote the Shawnee language and history on a global platform,” Barnes stated.
The Civilization franchise, known for its empire-building gameplay featuring historical leaders from Cleopatra to Gandhi, has sold over 58 million copies worldwide. However, as societal understanding of cultural representation has evolved, the series has faced criticism for its portrayal of Indigenous cultures.
Addressing past controversies, Firaxis has committed to a detailed collaboration with the Shawnee tribe to ensure authenticity. This process includes creating new Shawnee words and futuristic cultural concepts for the game.
As part of the partnership, Firaxis and 2K Games have made financial contributions to Shawnee language programs. Shawnee actor Dean Dillon, who voices Tecumseh in the game, expressed pride in his involvement.
The inclusion of Tecumseh reflects a broader shift in the franchise’s approach to representation. The seventh edition will also see the removal of “barbarians,” a term criticized for its historical implications.
While the collaboration has been largely positive, some Indigenous leaders have expressed concerns about the game’s alignment with their cultural values. Firaxis has responded by engaging directly with these communities.
Chief Barnes sees the partnership as a step towards preserving the Shawnee language and culture. “This collaboration opens doors for our youth to connect with their heritage in new ways,” he said.
The partnership has already yielded tangible results, with a new language education center opening in Oklahoma. As Civilization 7 nears release, both Firaxis and the Shawnee Tribe hope this collaboration will set a new standard for cultural representation in gaming.
