Civilization 7's launch has been met with a mixed reception on Steam, prompting concerns from some players. However, Take-Two's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, remains optimistic, believing that dedicated Civilization fans will ultimately embrace the game.
The game's early access release, primarily accessed by hardcore fans, has seen criticism focusing on the user interface (UI), limited map variety, and perceived missing features. Firaxis has acknowledged this feedback and pledged improvements, including UI enhancements, the addition of team-based multiplayer, and a broader range of map types.
Zelnick, in an interview with IGN, acknowledged negative reviews, citing Eurogamer's 2/5 score, but highlighted the positive Metacritic score of 81 and numerous reviews exceeding 90. He attributed the negative feedback to the significant changes introduced in Civ 7, suggesting that players' initial apprehension will subside with increased playtime. He emphasized that the team "pushes the envelope" with each new Civilization title, leading to an initial period of adjustment for long-time fans.
Zelnick's comments allude to the substantial gameplay alterations in Civ 7, particularly the three-age campaign structure (Antiquity, Exploration, Modern) with simultaneous Age Transitions. These transitions involve selecting a new civilization, retaining Legacies, and evolving the game world—a novel system for the Civilization franchise.
Despite Zelnick's confidence, Firaxis faces the challenge of improving player sentiment, especially on Steam. The Steam user review rating significantly impacts the game's visibility and overall success on the platform. Addressing the current concerns is crucial for Firaxis to ensure the long-term positive reception of Civilization 7.
