The strategy game world is on the verge of a milestone: “Civilization 7” is getting a virtual reality version for the first time This announcement promises a gaming experience that breaks down familiar boundaries and takes the series into a completely new dimension. But not every fan can participate in this innovation.
Revolutionary gameplay for Meta Quest
In spring 2025, “Civilization 7 VR” will be released exclusively for Meta Quest 3 and 3S. The concept is as innovative as it is exciting: players control their empire directly at the so-called command table, which serves as the central element of the game. Thanks to the combination of virtual and mixed reality , not only can players plan grand strategies from above – they can literally immerse themselves in the details of the game world, view buildings and units up close and interact dynamically with the environment.
A special highlight is the integration of the command table into the real room. The mixed-reality approach merges the virtual world with the physical environment. Historical figures appear directly “at the table” while the player reinterprets his surroundings. Such a feature should not only inspire die-hard strategy game fans, but also be interesting for VR beginners.
PSVR2 users are left in the dark with Civilization 7 VR
But as impressive as this announcement is, there is a fly in the ointment: PSVR2 owners are left empty-handed. Although “Civilization 7” is coming to the PlayStation platform, the VR version will be exclusive to the Meta devices. Industry experts suspect that this decision is the result of an exclusive deal between Meta and the developers.
The lack of support for Sony’s headset comes at a difficult time for the PSVR2. The hoped-for success has so far failed to materialize, and prominent critics such as former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida are publicly admitting failures. Yoshida recently criticized the fact that the “PS2 moment” – i.e. the breakthrough to widespread popularity – had not occurred with the PSVR2. The exclusivity of “Civilization 7 VR” for Meta could further increase this gap.
Although PSVR2 users may be disappointed, “Civilization 7 VR” sets new standards in the world of strategy games. The innovative use of VR and mixed reality technology is likely to raise the bar for future games significantly – even if Sony’s VR division will not benefit from it.
