Skip to main content
Dictionary
Store
Blog
World
Help
Advertise
Chat
System Status
Information Collection Notice
Trademark Concerns
reCAPTCHA Privacy
Terms of Service
reCAPTCHA Terms
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Report a Bug
Data Request
Contact Us
Security
DMCA
© 1999–2026 Urban Dictionary ®
Mugs
Tees
Hoodies
Pro Customization
Create unique products with your own words and definitions
Preview
Personalize Your Design
Your Word
Your Definition
Civilization Syndrome is an affliction targeting gamers, especially turn-based strategy gamers, in which they promise themselves "just one more turn"--only to realize that seven hours have passed and they've soiled their drawers. Most games that cause Civilization Syndrome possess an explosive mixture: they create long to-do lists for the player, which grow infinitely and exponentially with each completed task, and combine that with the ability to complete tasks easier and quicker than real-life, thus creating an overwhelmingly addictive illusion of achieving things. Note that a game doesn't have to be turn-based to cause Civilization Syndrome, it merely has to produce addictive and never-ending to-do lists. Named after Sid Meier's Civilization series, which codified most turn-based strategy tropes present in today's games.
Text fits
Save
Cancel