Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg recently shared his passion for the iconic strategy game Civilization and hinted at the possibility of livestreaming his gameplay on Twitch, the popular Amazon-owned streaming platform. During a recent interview with Pubity, recorded at the Meta Connect event held on September 24-25, Zuckerberg revealed that Civilization is not just any game to him; it’s the one he wants to master above all others.
A Surprising Dedication to Gaming
In the interview, Zuckerberg humorously recounted his wife Priscilla Chan’s reaction to discovering the extent of his commitment to the game. “Priscilla looked at my Steam account the other day and was like, ‘What? You’ve played this game for over 1,000 hours?’” Zuckerberg shared, amused at his wife’s surprise. This revelation offers a glimpse into the tech billionaire’s life outside of Meta, showing his dedication to one of the world’s best-known strategy games.
When asked about showcasing his skills, Zuckerberg expressed confidence, stating that he’s open to livestreaming his gameplay. However, instead of using Meta’s platforms, he’s considering Twitch—an unusual choice given his role as CEO of Meta, which competes with Amazon in several areas. “I think at some point, I’ll be livestreaming on Twitch, playing against someone,” Zuckerberg said. “I’m close to grandmaster level, and I’d be surprised if anyone in the world could beat me.”
What Is Civilization?
Sid Meier’s Civilization—commonly referred to as Civilization—is a celebrated strategy game developed by Firaxis Games, a Maryland–based studio. First released in 1991, Civilization has grown into a legendary franchise, with Civilization VI as its most recent installment. The game’s goal is to build an empire that withstands the test of time, challenging players to make strategic decisions to lead their civilizations to victory. With over 50 million copies sold worldwide, Civilization continues to captivate players with its depth and complexity, making it a favorite among strategy game enthusiasts.
A Potential Twitch Debut
If Zuckerberg chooses to livestream on Twitch, it could mark a fascinating crossover between major tech platforms, with Meta’s CEO appearing on an Amazon-owned service. Twitch, known for its gaming community and live interactive streams, would provide Zuckerberg with a vast audience eager to watch his gameplay and interact with him in real-time. His choice to broadcast on Twitch rather than Meta’s platforms signals a unique shift in Zuckerberg’s approach to public engagement, aligning him more with the gaming world and less with traditional corporate settings.
The “Zuck or Nothing” Persona
Zuckerberg’s gaming enthusiasm aligns with his ongoing efforts to revamp his public image. In his Pubity interview, he sported a black T-shirt featuring the phrase “Zuck or Nothing” printed in Latin, paired with jeans—a casual look that contrasts with the stereotypical tech CEO attire. He even hinted at the possibility of selling this shirt as a limited-edition item on Instagram, allowing fans a glimpse into his personality beyond the corporate persona. This marketing move aligns with Zuckerberg’s recent focus on broadening his appeal and making himself more relatable to a younger, digitally savvy audience.
A Long-Standing Love for Games
Zuckerberg’s love for Civilization dates back to his college days. During a 2017 Harvard commencement speech, he revealed that he was playing the game when he received his acceptance letter to the university. His passion for gaming doesn’t stop at Civilization—a recent video posted by Priscilla Chan showed Zuckerberg in his basement with friends, playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.
In sharing his love for Civilization, Zuckerberg joins a thriving community of strategy game enthusiasts. Whether he’ll prove to be the world’s best at Civilization remains to be seen, but if he follows through with his Twitch stream, fans and fellow gamers will be watching.
