Firaxis Games hasn't ruled out the possibility of Gandhi's return to Civilization VII, suggesting he may appear as DLC. This follows an IGN interview with lead designer Ed Beach on February 13, 2025, clarifying the absence of some familiar civilizations and leaders from the base game.
A Chance for Gandhi's Return
Beach confirmed that the omission of leaders like Gandhi wasn't due to oversight. Instead, the sheer number of popular choices necessitated leaving some out to make room for new and exciting additions. He emphasized that Firaxis is considering the long-term inclusion of previously featured civilizations and leaders.
The decision to exclude Britain and India, for example, was a difficult but necessary choice to balance the roster. While the timing remains uncertain, the precedent set by Civilization VI's extensive DLC releases suggests a strong likelihood of Gandhi's eventual return to Civ VII. Fans can remain hopeful, though patience will be required.