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Civilization VII: Jose Rizal Brings Filipino Culture to Life

Gamers, especially Filipinos, get ready because Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is bringing a hero to the digital stage

A Dream Realized: Rizal in Civilization VII

The official Civilization VII Twitter account shared a momentous announcement. A man speaking in Tagalog, quoting the words of Dr. Jose Rizal, a national hero of the Philippines: “Walang bansang pinagmumulan ng katalinuhan…” (“Genius/intellect is not exclusive to any country…”).

This inclusion is a huge step for Filipino representation in video games. While some Filipino characters have appeared in games before (Talim in SoulCalibur, Neon in Valorant), they often relied on stereotypes. Rizal’s presence in Civilization VII is different. It’s a genuine showcase of Filipino culture through a pivotal historical figure.

Who Was Jose Rizal?

Jose Rizal (born 1861) was a multi-talented individual. He was:

His travels and education fueled his advocacy for reform in the Philippines under Spanish rule. His novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, critiqued colonial abuses. Despite advocating for peaceful change, he was executed in 1896, an event that further ignited the Philippine Revolution.

Rizal’s Gameplay: A Focus on Diplomacy and Narrative

In Civilization VII, Rizal is designed as a leader that reflects a generalist playstyle, befitting of a man of many talents, he shines in diplomacy, drawing from his real-life efforts for peaceful reform. He also has a unique connection to the game’s narrative events: