Civilization 7 Reviews Divide Steam Users, Take-Two Confident in Long-Term Appeal

Civilization 7's Steam launch has received a "mixed" reception, but Take-Two's CEO remains optimistic. Early access players, often considered hardcore fans, have voiced concerns regarding the user interface (UI), limited map variety, and missing features.

Firaxis, the developer, has acknowledged this feedback and pledged improvements, including UI enhancements, the addition of multiplayer teams, and more diverse map options.

In an interview with IGN, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick noted both positive (Metacritic score of 81, multiple reviews exceeding 90) and negative reviews (including a 40 from Eurogamer). He expressed confidence that the core Civilization fanbase will ultimately appreciate the game's innovations after extended playtime. Zelnick attributed initial negative reactions to the significant changes introduced in Civilization 7, such as the three-age campaign structure with simultaneous Age Transitions. This system, unprecedented in previous Civilization titles, involves selecting a new civilization, retaining legacies, and witnessing world evolution at each transition.

While Zelnick anticipates long-term acceptance, Firaxis faces the immediate challenge of improving player sentiment, particularly on Steam. The Steam user review rating significantly impacts the game's visibility and overall success on the platform.