Civilization VII Gains Traction as Audience Adapts

Civilization 7's rocky launch: Take-Two CEO remains optimistic despite mixed reviews.

While Civilization 7 has received a "mixed" user review rating on Steam, Take-Two's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, expresses confidence that dedicated fans will ultimately embrace the game. The 4X strategy title's early access release, primarily accessed by hardcore Civilization fans, has sparked considerable feedback on Steam. Criticisms include UI issues, limited map variety, and a perceived lack of expected features.

Firaxis has acknowledged these concerns and pledged improvements, including UI enhancements, the addition of team-based multiplayer, and a broader range of map types.

In an interview with IGN, Zelnick addressed the negative reviews, citing Eurogamer's 2/5 score as an example, but maintained a positive outlook. He highlighted Civilization 7's Metacritic score of 81 and numerous reviews exceeding 90, emphasizing that player sentiment tends to improve with extended playtime. He attributed initial negative reactions to the significant changes implemented by Firaxis.

Zelnick specifically referenced the innovative three-age campaign structure (Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern) with simultaneous Age Transitions. This system, unprecedented in previous Civilization games, involves selecting a new civilization, retaining legacies, and witnessing world evolution at each transition. Zelnick believes this will ultimately resonate with players.

Despite the positive long-term outlook, Firaxis faces the immediate challenge of improving player perception, especially on Steam. The platform's user review rating significantly impacts a game's visibility and success. Addressing the current concerns is crucial for Civilization 7's continued growth.