Civilization V Analyst

About the Analyst

This site was set up to track pre-release information about Civilization V. Why did I do this? Because I'm not sane -- I enjoy playing "intelligence analyst" trying to parse data out of screenshots and assembling a coherent picture of the game. And because prior to just a few days before release, the information wasn't available anywhere else.

Pardon the messy, temporary nature of the pages. They are large and image-heavy. I knew when I started it that this site only had a projected lifespan of about two months (until the game was released and the information here became irrelevant), so I knew I would never be able to make everything as tidy as I would like. As of release day, the information here is fairly up to date, and I will make minor edits to bring it in line with the release state of the game, but for the most part my work here is done. It's been a fun ride, and I hope my efforts have been useful for those trying to follow the development of the game.

Links

Civilization V Official Site: Not a lot of information here, but a few screenshots, videos, and podcasts with the developers.
Civilization Series Official Site: A look at the previous entries in the series.
Civilization Fanatics Center: Forum that posts new information and hosts discussion. I post in the Civ V section as "AriochIV."
2K Games' Civilization V Forums: The official forums. I am also registered here as "Arioch IV."
Well of Souls: My main website, containing my artwork and Outsider webcomic, and other game projects similar to this one.

People

A number of names get mentioned in various notes around the site, so here is a key to who is whom in Civilization V Land:

Jon Shafer: Civ V Lead Designer, Firaxis Games
Dennis Shirk: Civ V Producer, Firaxis Games
Brian Wade: Civ V Programming Lead, Firaxis Games
Dorian Newcomb: Civ V Lead Artist, Firaxis Games
Dan Baker: Civ V Graphics Lead, Firaxis Games
Garrett Bittner: Civ V Producer for 2K Games
Greg Laabs: a.k.a. "2K Greg," Civ V Community Manager, 2K Games
Elizabeth Tobey: a.k.a. "2K Elizabeth," Sr. Manager, Interactive Marketing, 2K Games

Thanks to all the folks at CFC Forums for their clarifications, corrections, additions and suggestions.

Thanks to Greg Rozmarynowycz for his groovy stylesheet work.

Recent Updates

8 August 2011: There are two new DLC packs coming August 11. The first adds the Korean civilization and an accompanying scenario; the second adds three new ancient Wonders (Temple of Zeus, Temple of Artemis, Mausoleum of Halicarnassus) and a scenario that appears to include the Sumerian civilization (but apparently Gilgamesh is available only in the scenario, and not in the regular game).

28 April 2011: 2K has announced a new Denmark DLC pack due May 3, which includes the Denmark civilization and a Viking scenario. Denmark is led by Harald Bluetooth, and adds Berserker and Norwegian Ski Infantry units. There will also be an additional Explorers Map Pack DLC with additional new maps.

3 March 2011: A Polynesian DLC pack has been released with the new Polynesian civilization and a scenario. New unique unit: Maori Warrior, and new unique improvement: Moai.

26 December 2010: Last week 2K released a new DLC pack (US$7.49) containing a New World scenario and two new civilizations, the Spanish and Incas (including three new unique units, a new unique building and a new unique improvement). I have listed the new civilizations and units in the relevant pages.

25 October 2010: Mongolia is now available as a free update, and Babylon can be purchased as DLC for US$4.99. Updated the Mongol unit entries (see links below).

19 October 2010: Added Mongolia to the list of Civilizations; it has been announced as a free download available on Oct. 25. Added entries for Keshik and Khan.

21 September 2010: Civilization V is available now for purchase in North America, and a playable demo should be available on the official site some time today. I will update the site over the course of the coming weeks to bring it up to date with the release state of the game (for those who have expressed a wish to continue to use it as a reference). Thanks for your support, now go enjoy the game!

18 September 2010: A PDF version of the Civilization V manual has been posted on the official site. I have updated most of the pages with this new information.

16 September 2010: The BradyGames Civ V Strategy guide is available in some areas. Added data all over the site.

14 September 2010: Filled out Social Policy definitions for Freedom and Autocracy.

5 September 2010: Filled out the definitions for Rationalism and Commerce Social Policies (thanks SevenSpirits).

31 August 2010: New images for the Egyptian War Chariot, English Longbowman, and various Modern units.

22 August 2010: A variety of updates from the GamesCom presentations. Many Social Policies identified.

18 August 2010: Added images to a number of pages, particularly Modern units.