Civilization
2–7 players • Avalon Hill • 1980
- Publisher
- Avalon Hill
- First published
- 1980
- Players
- 2–7 players
How it plays
Civilization plays 2–7 players.
Mechanics
Where to find one
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Where it came from
Civilization, published by Avalon Hill in 1980, was designed by Francis Tresham and originally released by his company, Hartland Trefoil, in 1980 before being licensed for the North American market. Developed during a period when board gaming was shifting toward complex, grand-strategy simulations, the game was heavily influenced by the historical development of Mediterranean cultures. Tresham aimed to move away from purely militaristic wargames, instead emphasizing trade, cultural advancement, and the long-term societal pressures that shaped ancient empires.
The game is widely credited with pioneering the 'tech tree' mechanic, a foundational element that has since defined the strategy video game genre. Players manage the growth of their civilizations by balancing territorial expansion with economic development, represented through the exchange of trade goods and the pursuit of scientific progress. Upon its release, it was praised for its depth and innovative structure, eventually providing the conceptual inspiration for Sid Meier's legendary PC game of the same name.
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Who's collecting this
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About Civilization
Civilization is a game in the Board Games catalog on collecto.rs. 2–7 players • Avalon Hill • 1980. The catalog entry lists technology tree and map as its mechanics. Catalog data is sourced from Wikidata. No public games collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How do you play Civilization?
Civilization is a board game for 2–7 players. The catalog entry lists technology tree and map as its mechanics. collecto.rs catalogues the game, not its rules — for the full rulebook, use the copy in the box or the publisher's own site.
How many players is Civilization for?
Civilization is built for 2–7 players. That count comes from this catalog entry alone — nothing from an expansion or a spin-off is folded into it.
Who publishes Civilization?
Civilization is published by Avalon Hill. The catalog gives its publication year as 1980.
How many collectors track Civilization on collecto.rs?
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Where does the Civilization catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Civilization is sourced from Wikidata. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
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