'Civilization 6' for iPad release date, gameplay news: Full game optimized with touch controls; $60 price currently discounted

"Civilization VI" is now playable on the iPad. Firaxis Games/Aspyr Media

Developer Firaxis Games' "Sid Meier's Civilization VI" is now available on the iPad, making it the first game in the award-winning turn-based strategy franchise to be playable on iOS.

Typically played on macOS, Linux and Windows PCs, Aspyr Media has released the "Civilization VI" port to iOS. All of the mechanics and features of the original game — including maps, research, combat, technologies, and cultures — can be found on the iPad version.

However, gameplay has been updated to respond to touch controls. In the iPad version, players will have to tap and drag units to move them. The keyboard shortcuts can be accessed when the Apple tablet is connected to a smart keyboard. Players can also move around the map by using the arrow keys.

On the other hand, one difference is that the iPad version of "Civilization VI" does not include any downloadable content or the "Rise and Fall" expansion, which is slated to become available on PC on Feb. 18, 2018.

There is also no cross-platform play between iOS and PC, but "Civilization VI" for iPad is currently able to support local multiplayer mode of up to 11 players.

"Civilization VI" is now available to download from the Apple App Store. Players will have the first 60 turns free to play but after these turns, only those who pay $59.99 for the full game will be able to continue their journey.

Thankfully, Aspyr is offering a 50 percent discount for a limited time. "Civilization VI" on iPad is currently priced $29.99 up until Jan. 5, 2018 at 2:59 a.m. EST.

It should also be noted that only iPad Air 2, iPad 2017 and all iPad Pro models with iOS 11 are compatible with the mobile version of "Civilization VI." There's no official word yet if the latest installment the turn-based strategy game will be released on other Apple devices as well as Android devices.

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