Civilization 6 expansion Gathering Storm will address climate change

A new Civilization 6 expansion, called Gathering Storm, will be released on Feb. 14, 2019.

Gathering Storm will include new geological and meteorological challenges, such as volcanoes, blizzards, floods and droughts, as well as climate change. Consumable resources such as coal and oil can be used to fuel power plants, but they also pose an environmental cost. As the game advances, players can research carbon-free technologies.

It’s the second expansion for the 2016 turn-based strategy game, following on from Rise and Fall, which came out earlier this year. In Civ 6, players take on the role of a historical leader, who strives to build an empire through exploration, expansion and conquest as well as scientific research and cultural achievements.

International relations have been given a rejig in Gathering Storm, with new alliances leading to a World Congress where a new diplomacy victory can be achieved. Late game has also been expanded with speculative new technologies added.

Eight new civilizations will be included, along with unique units, buildings and districts. New scenarios will include one based on the Black Death, and another set during the First World War. Civilization 6: Gathering Storm will be released on PC, priced at $39.99.