Civilization 7's rocky launch hasn't deterred Take-Two's CEO, Strauss Zelnick. Despite a "mixed" Steam user review rating, Zelnick remains confident that dedicated Civilization fans will ultimately embrace the game.
The early access release, primarily targeting hardcore Civilization players, has seen criticism focusing on the user interface (UI), limited map variety, and missing features. Firaxis has acknowledged these concerns, promising UI improvements, the addition of cooperative multiplayer teams, and more diverse map types.
In an interview with IGN, Zelnick highlighted Civilization 7's generally positive reception, citing an 81 Metacritic score and numerous reviews exceeding 90. While acknowledging negative reviews, including a harsh Eurogamer score, he emphasized the game's evolving appeal: "The legacy Civ audience is a little bit nervous about what they initially see and then they realize, wow, this is actually really incredible, and they dive in."
Zelnick's comments allude to the significant gameplay changes introduced in Civilization 7. The game's unique three-age campaign structure, featuring simultaneous Age Transitions with civilization selection and Legacy retention, represents a departure from previous iterations. This system, while initially jarring, is expected to gain acceptance among players over time.
However, Firaxis faces the immediate challenge of improving player sentiment, particularly on Steam. The platform's user review rating significantly impacts a game's visibility and success. Addressing the identified issues is crucial for boosting the game's overall reception and ensuring its long-term viability on Steam.
