ABSTRACT
Sid Meier's Civilization is a digital game that has been praised for promoting historical knowledge among the players. In this chapter, the author discusses the game as a medium of historical knowledge and a historical source of contemporary history. Which are the cultural values promoted by the game? Which are the political systems and practices that are included in it? Which are the main principles and practices that the game promotes as necessary to historical development and success? To answer these questions, the author focuses on the cultural semiotics of the game and their political, cultural and social dimensions. Civilization is approached as a game that witnesses on a period when cultural homogeneity is wished, cultural imperialism is strong, urbanism dominates, science and technology are central, and the western culture is stereotypically promoted as the only way to progress and success.
