Civilization 7's rocky launch hasn't deterred Take-Two's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, who remains confident in the game's long-term appeal. Despite a "mixed" Steam user review rating, Zelnick believes the game's core fanbase will ultimately embrace it.
The early access release, primarily accessible to dedicated Civilization players, has seen criticism focusing on the user interface (UI), limited map variety, and a perceived lack of expected features. Firaxis has acknowledged these concerns, pledging UI improvements, the addition of cooperative multiplayer teams, and expanded map options.
Zelnick, in an interview with IGN, highlighted Civilization 7's 81 Metacritic score and numerous reviews exceeding 90, while acknowledging negative reviews, such as Eurogamer's 2/5 rating. He attributed the negative feedback to the significant changes implemented in this iteration, suggesting that the "legacy Civ audience," initially apprehensive, will grow to appreciate the innovations with continued gameplay.
Zelnick's comments directly address the substantial gameplay alterations introduced in Civilization 7. A complete campaign now spans three Ages (Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern), with simultaneous Age Transitions for all players. These transitions involve choosing a new civilization, selecting retained Legacies, and witnessing world evolution—a novel system unprecedented in previous Civilization titles.
While Zelnick expresses long-term optimism, 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. Addressing the identified issues is crucial for boosting the game's reception and attracting a wider player base.