The creators of Civilization 7 introduced Russia with Catherine the Great and the Dusha and Prosveshchenie abilities, — Ukrainians reacted

Firaxis Games revealed the Russian faction in Civilization 7 led by Empress Catherine the Great. The abilities presented are Prosveshchenie, Dusha, General Moroz, and Samoderzhaviye.

Developers say that Russia is known for “luxury and inequality, art and culture.” Catherine’s ability Dusha is responsible for affinity towards leaders who lack unique “Great Works”. Prosveshchenie boosts culture and science, Samoderzhaviye with the tradition of General Moroz aids in better warfare in the Tundra, and Obshchina increases both food and culture. The game will also feature Cossacks and… the BM-13 “Katyusha”.

It’s easy to guess the reaction of Ukrainian fans. Commentators note that Firaxis should have considered the reality surrounding them, specifically the three years of Russian war against Ukraine. They also asked if the faction has an ability called Snokhachestvo or some worse ones, and point out that the real ability should be Cultural genocide.

Indie developer Dmitry Yarynych says this was his first and last look at the faction (apparently, at the game in general): “I was a fan since the days of Civ II and a big admirer of Mr. Meyer’s work, but nothing lasts forever.” Publication GamewayUA commented very aptly:

It is a reminder that Catherine the Great destroyed the last vestiges of Ukrainian statehood in the form of Hetmanate and Zaporizhian Sich, and also introduced serfdom in Ukraine, turning free people into slaves. Civilization 7 has a Russian localization and does not have a Ukrainian one, while costing ₴3000 on Steam.

Source: dev.ua