Civilization V: Brave New World and Imperialism

Abstract

This paper builds upon the existing postcolonial literature in game studies by offering a procedural investigation into the mechanical, aesthetic, thematic and cultural aspects of Civilization V. The study reflects upon its findings with a postcolonial analysis that utilizes the work of Said and Spivak. Specifically, it calls upon Said's seminal writing on the concept of imperialism and Spivak's examination of the nature of and difference between political and aesthetic representation. It attempts to find an answer to the question: To what extent does Civilization V propagate imperialist ideology? And further seeks to answer three sub-questions. First, what is the procedural rhetoric of Civilization V? Second, to what extent does Civilization V propagate imperialist ideology as defined by Said? Third, how does Civilization V represent the subaltern?