Although Stellaris and Civilization differ in their real-time and turn-based gameplay, they share fundamental elements. Both games enable players to transform their civilizations from humble origins into formidable empires, with the capacity to influence cultural evolution over extended periods. Stellaris could almost be viewed as a sequel to Civilization, depicting a successful civilization venturing into the broader galaxy.

While Stellaris and Civilization belong to the 4X genre, which Civ significantly influenced, Stellaris introduces its own array of innovative concepts. These distinct features have the potential to greatly benefit Civilization 7, and it is important for Firaxis to take note of these possibilities.

Embracing Stellaris' Population Dynamics and Factional Politics

In Stellaris and Civilization 6, the population is represented as pops and Citizens, respectively. While Civ 6 Citizens function as generic worker units in other strategy games, Stellaris provides in-depth demographic information for pops, including species, occupation, social class, and political affiliations. Each pop's individual happiness rating contributes to the overall happiness of a planet, and they align with political Factions based on their ideologies, and at times, migrate to other empires.

Although species may not directly apply to Civilization 7, the game could incorporate cultural representation. By tracking individual Citizens' cultures, Civilization 7 can portray large, multi-ethnic empires more realistically, as opposed to the homogeneous portrayal in previous Civ installments.

Introducing diverse ideologies, social classes, and factions inspired by Stellaris would introduce a new dimension of politics in Civilization 7. This would create a fresh system for players to navigate and offer opportunities to manipulate the internal politics of rival nations.

Adapting Stellaris' Government and Ideological Framework

Stellaris presents a more elaborate government system compared to Civilization. While Civilization 6 features 13 forms of Government, Stellaris divides government into three variables: Ethics, Authority, and Civics, representing ideology, power distribution, and established institutions. This comprehensive approach allows for more nuanced governance compared to the broader archetypes in Civilization 6.

Although Stellaris' system has its limitations, such as the inability to distinguish between a state's official ideology and its leaders' behavior, Civilization can benefit from a similar three-tiered system. Implementing variable Philosophies, Authorities, and Institutions in Civilization 7 would enable the representation of diverse political systems not present in previous Civ titles.

Incorporating Stellaris' Vassalage and Federation Mechanics

While Civ 6 only allows players to become the suzerain of city-states, Stellaris permits powerful empires to vassalize weaker ones through various means. Civilization 4 previously featured a similar vassalage system, suggesting the potential for vassals to return in Civilization 7. Firaxis could explore Stellaris' Overlord DLC, which expanded the vassal-suzerain relationships, for inspiration.

Federations in Stellaris exemplify multilateral agreements between at least nominally equal partners, reflecting much closer relationships than typical alliances or trade agreements. The diverse types of Federations in Stellaris correspond to real-world associations, offering Civilization 7 the potential to enrich its strategic and historical simulation aspects.