Jose Rizal featured as playable leader in Civilization VII video game
Since 1991, the award-winning Civilization series of turn-based strategy games has challenged players to guide a civilization through history and build an empire to stand the test of time. Players assume the role of a famous historical leader, making all the crucial economic, political, and military decisions as they pursue one of multiple paths to victory.
Created by Sid Meier and Bruce Shelley, the original Civilization is widely considered one of the most influential turn-based strategy games ever made. Civilization launched with many innovative features and a sweeping strategic framework that persist in the series to this day. Being the first civilization to assemble a spaceship and complete that journey was one of three ways to achieve victory in the original Civilization.
For this year (2025), in the upcoming Civilization VII, Filipino national hero Jose Rizal will be a playable leader, joining a roster of renowned historical figures.
Rizal’s addition to Civilization VII highlights his significance in Philippine history. As a revered national hero, Rizal is known for his writings that boldly criticized Spanish colonial rule. These writings ignited the revolution and ultimately led to his execution by the Spanish.
Here’s the game’s description of Rizal:
Long regarded as a hero of the Philippines, José Rizal was a passionate defender of the dignity and autonomy of Filipinos. He first gained his reputation as a political activist in Europe, criticizing the Spanish rule of his homeland, and though he advocated for peaceful reform and equal rights, Rizal was eventually tried and executed by the Spanish. Yet his revolutionary spirit could not be contained, and has inspired Filipinos ever since.
In Civilization VII, Rizal’s unique ability, “Pambansang Bayani,” provides bonuses to Culture and Gold when gaining rewards from Narrative Events.
Rizal’s “Kapwa” agenda, which emphasizes the importance of community and cooperation, will influence his diplomatic interactions with other civilizations in the game.
The Filipino hero will join other great leaders in the game including Augustus, Benjamin Franklin, Catherine The Great, Charlemagne, Confucius, and Machiavelli, among others.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is set to launch on February 11, 2025. It will be available across multiple platforms, including the PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Cross-play multiplayer is supported.
