Civilization 7's launch has garnered mixed Steam reviews, yet Take-Two's CEO remains optimistic. While early access players (often hardcore fans) have voiced concerns regarding the user interface, limited map variety, and missing features, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick believes the "legacy Civ audience" will ultimately embrace the game.
The game's current Steam user reviews highlight UI issues, a lack of map diversity, and the absence of expected features. Firaxis has acknowledged this feedback and pledged improvements, including UI enhancements, the addition of team-based multiplayer, and a broader range of map types.
Zelnick points to a Metacritic score of 81 and numerous reviews exceeding 90 as evidence of the game's overall quality. He acknowledges negative reviews, such as Eurogamer's 2/5 score, but maintains that player sentiment will shift positively with increased playtime. He attributes initial negativity to the significant changes introduced in Civilization 7, particularly the novel three-age campaign structure with simultaneous Age Transitions. This system, unprecedented in the Civilization series, involves selecting a new civilization, retaining legacies, and witnessing world evolution at each transition.
Despite the positive outlook, Firaxis faces the challenge of improving Steam user reviews. A strong Steam rating is vital for the game's visibility and success on the platform, directly impacting its discoverability and overall perception among potential players.
