Ah, there’s the catch and confusion. Not required for single player but required for multi, I guess? Not sure how others play Civ but that’s not gonna affect me. I’ve only ever played these games solo besides a very rare duo game.

Uh-oh. That’s the sort of thing that would lead me not to buy it.

It’s probably to make cross-platform easier (since it’s releasing same day on all platforms)

It’s the same as civ 6. Having a 2k account gave an extra leader for Rome, all leaders have unique abilities, it’s not just cosmetic.

It is probably moddable as custom leaders were possible in civ 6

They are getting rid of the launcher for Civ 6: https://www.pcgamer.com/games/strategy/2k-removes-its-pointless-launcher-from-civilization-6-while-also-announcing-that-civilization-7-players-will-never-have-to-suffer-launching-the-game-twice-for-no-reason/

Didn’t they announce that there would not be a launcher? Also removed for Civ VI.