Although Civilization V Is A Game Intended For Entertainment

Although Civilization V Is A Game Intended For Entertainment The Modi

Although Civilization V is a game intended for entertainment, the modified version “Play the World Extended Vanilla” functions as a model of real-world geography and history. Like all models, the mod makes specific claims about the world and how history functions, which warrants evaluation. The primary goal of this assignment is to analyze how the game models history by selecting one causal relationship within the game and comparing it to the corresponding relationship in the real world. This involves identifying how the game simulates cause-and-effect processes that influence historical outcomes and assessing the accuracy and limitations of these representations based on scholarly insights.

To fulfill this task, students should carefully examine a particular causal relationship portrayed in the game. For example, one could analyze how technological advancements in the game influence the rise and fall of civilizations, mirroring real-world patterns. In the game, technological progress often accelerates a civilization's development, military power, and territorial expansion, echoing historical scenarios where technological innovations have played pivotal roles in shaping history. Students should then compare this in-game relationship to actual historical phenomena, supported by scholarly sources that discuss the role of technology in historical development.

In conducting this analysis, students are expected to utilize at least three citations from course materials, which may include lectures, assigned readings, or other academic resources provided in the course. These sources should support the evaluation of the causality depicted in the game and help contextualize it within scholarly debates about historical modeling and the role of technology in history.

The paper should be approximately 2 to 2.5 pages long, clearly structured with an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should outline the chosen causal relationship and its significance. The body should describe how the game models this relationship, present scholarly perspectives on the actual historical process, and evaluate the similarities and differences. The conclusion should summarize the findings and reflect on the strengths and limitations of using games like Civilization V as models for understanding history.

Paper For Above instruction

Civilization V, particularly through its modified version “Play the World Extended Vanilla,” serves not only as a source of entertainment but also as an educational tool that models various aspects of world history and geography. Its portrayal of causal relationships—how certain developments lead to specific historical outcomes—reflects a simplified but often insightful approximation of real-world processes. One significant causal relationship depicted in the game is the impact of technological advancement on the rise of civilizations, a theme deeply rooted in historical scholarship.

In the game, technological progress is a central mechanism that enables civilizations to develop new units, improve infrastructure, and expand their influence. As players invest resources in research, they unlock advancements that confer strategic advantages, such as improved military capabilities or increased resource extraction. This dynamic parallels historical instances where technological innovations—such as the invention of the wheel, printing press, or industrial machinery—significantly altered the course of history. For example, the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries introduced new technologies that transformed economies, military strategies, and societal structures (Pomeranz & Topik, 2013).

Scholarly literature emphasizes that technological change often acts as a catalyst for societal transformation. Lipson (2014) argues that technological innovations are fundamental drivers of economic growth and political power. In the context of history, advancements in military technology have historically enabled civilizations to conquer territory and defend against rivals, shaping geopolitical landscapes—an aspect accurately reflected in the game’s mechanics. The game simulates this by allowing civilizations that invest in technological research to gain military and economic advantages, thereby influencing their capacity to expand or defend.

However, while the game accurately captures the importance of technological advance in shaping historical outcomes, it simplifies the complex socio-political factors that also influence these processes. For instance, the game does not account for cultural, environmental, or political constraints that historically impacted technological development and adoption. Nevertheless, the core causal relationship—technology driving growth—is well-represented, supported by scholarly consensus on its role in history (Mokyr, 2010). The game’s portrayal thus serves as a valid, if simplified, model of how technological progress can lead to the dominance of certain civilizations.

In conclusion, Civilization V’s modeling of the relationship between technology and the rise of civilizations aligns with academic understanding, emphasizing technological innovation as a key driver of historical change. Although it abstracts from many real-world complexities, the game’s depiction captures the essential nature of technological influence in history, providing an accessible approximation that can foster understanding of historical causality. Recognizing both its strengths and limitations allows educators and players alike to appreciate the game as a tool for exploring historical processes in a simplified, engaging manner.

References

• Lipson, C. (2014). Technological Change and Society. Oxford University Press.
• Mokyr, J. (2010). The Lever of Riches: Technological Creativity and Economic Progress. Oxford University Press.
• Pomeranz, K., & Topik, S. (2013). The World That Trade Created: Society, Culture, and the World Economy, 1400 to the Present. Routledge.