Civ fans should check out Sid Meier’s fantastic memoir before Civilization 7

Civilization 7 made waves at Gamescom with a new gameplay trailer revealing a February 11, 2025 release date. You’ve still got some time to kill before you can dive into the long-awaited sequel – and if you’re looking for something to make the wait a little easier, we recommend reading Sid Meier’s Memoirs: A Life in Video GamesThe memoir is written by Civilization creator and author Jennifer Noonan and is a fantastic read, especially for Civ fans (unsurprisingly).

Sid Meier’s Memoir is a 304-page book published by W.W. Norton in 2020 that chronicles the Civilization creator’s four-decade career in video games. From the founding of his studio, MicroProse, to the development of such classics as Pirates, Railroad Tycoon, and Civilization, it touches on all aspects of his illustrious career. Sid Meier’s Memoir is available in four formats: hardcover, paperback, Kindle, and audiobook.

The Memoirs of Sid Meier

In addition to details about his life, the book gives Meier’s perspective on “the history of the industry, the psychology of gamers,” and many more insights.

If you prefer physical books, the hardcover is available for a great price, though you can save five bucks by opting for the paperback. Those who prefer e-books can grab a copy for just $10, while readers who like to listen to books during their morning and afternoon commutes (or while playing games) may want to check out the audiobook version.

You could pay $15 to own the audiobook, but it’s worth noting that Sid Meier’s Memoir is included with Audible subscriptions. New subscribers can try Audible for free for 30 days. While the book is included with Audible Plus ($8/month), we recommend opting for Audible Premium Plus ($15/month) if you qualify for the free trial. Premium Plus also comes with one Audible Credit per month that can be used toward any book in the Premium catalog, such as new releases, and you get to keep those books even if your subscription expires.

Check out our Civilization 7 pre-order guide for more information on all four editions of the game.