Sid Meier's Civilization is a game of turn-based strategy "4X"-type strategy video created by Sid Meier and Bruce Shelley for Microprose in 1991.The game is to "build an empire to stand the test of time": It begins in 4000 BC and the players attempt to expand and build their empires through the ages, from ancient to modern times and in the near future. It is also known simply as Civilization, or abbreviated to Civ or Civ I.