Civilization VII's release has left many veteran players wondering about the absence of a familiar face: Mahatma Gandhi. A staple of the series since its inception in 1991, Gandhi's absence is notable, especially given his association with the infamous (and ultimately mythical) "Nuclear Gandhi" bug.
However, lead designer Ed Beach offered reassurance to concerned fans. In an interview, Beach stated that Firaxis hasn't forgotten past leaders and civilizations. He acknowledged the player concerns regarding missing civilizations like Great Britain, noting that a broader roadmap exists for future additions. The Crossroads of the World Collection DLC, releasing in March 2025, will include Carthage and Great Britain, followed by Bulgaria and Nepal. Beach explained that the initial lineup aimed for a balance of established and fresh civilizations, leading to some omissions. He confirmed that there are plans to incorporate iconic leaders like Gandhi in future DLC.
While Gandhi's return is anticipated, Firaxis is currently addressing community feedback regarding Civilization VII's reception. Steam user reviews have been mixed, citing concerns about the user interface, limited map variety, and missing features. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledged the negative feedback but expressed confidence in the game's long-term success, suggesting that the core fanbase will appreciate the game more with continued play. He described the initial performance as "very encouraging."
For players seeking to conquer the world in Civilization VII, resources are available to aid their endeavors. Guides covering victory strategies, key differences from Civilization VI, common mistakes to avoid, map types, and difficulty settings are readily accessible.