Civilization 7's launch has received a mixed reception on Steam, prompting concerns from some hardcore fans. Take-Two's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, however, remains optimistic, believing the game's core audience will ultimately embrace it.
The game's early access release, primarily accessed by dedicated Civilization players, has seen criticism focused on the user interface (UI), limited map variety, and the perceived absence of expected 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 pointed to a Metacritic score of 81 and numerous reviews exceeding 90 as evidence of the game's overall quality. He attributed some negative reactions to the significant changes implemented by Firaxis, suggesting that the "legacy Civ audience" often needs time to adjust to new iterations. He emphasized that the initial apprehension usually gives way to appreciation upon further gameplay.
Zelnick's comments directly address the substantial gameplay alterations introduced in Civilization 7. A key change involves the three-Age campaign structure (Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern). Each Age's completion triggers a simultaneous Age Transition for all players, requiring the selection of a new civilization, the retention of chosen Legacies, and a world map evolution—a novel system unprecedented in previous Civilization games.
Despite Zelnick's confidence, Firaxis faces the challenge of improving player sentiment, particularly on Steam. The platform's user review rating significantly impacts a game's visibility and overall success. Therefore, addressing the current concerns is crucial for the long-term performance of Civilization 7.
