Take-Two Boss Says 'Legacy' Civilization Audience Will Eventually Come Around on Civilization 7 Amid 'Mixed' Steam User Reviews

Civilization 7's Mixed Reception: Take-Two CEO Remains Confident

Civilization 7, the latest installment in the acclaimed 4X strategy series, has launched to mixed reviews on Steam. While some hardcore fans express concerns, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick remains optimistic about its long-term success.

The game's early access release, primarily targeting dedicated Civilization players, has seen criticism regarding the user interface (UI), limited map variety, and missing features. Firaxis, the developer, has acknowledged this feedback and promised improvements, including UI enhancements, the addition of multiplayer teams, and more diverse map types.

Despite negative reviews from some sources, including a notably low score from Eurogamer, Zelnick points to a Metacritic score of 81 and numerous reviews exceeding 90 as evidence of the game's overall quality. He believes the initial negative sentiment stems from the significant changes introduced in Civilization 7, particularly the innovative three-age campaign system with simultaneous Age Transitions. This system, unprecedented in the Civilization franchise, involves selecting a new civilization, retaining legacies, and witnessing world evolution at the end of each age. Zelnick anticipates that players will grow to appreciate these changes with continued gameplay.

However, 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 UI issues and other concerns is crucial for a positive shift in player perception.