Civilization 7: Take-Two Defends Mixed Reception

Civilization VII has arrived, and while its Steam user reviews currently sit at "Mixed," Take-Two's CEO remains confident that dedicated fans will ultimately embrace the game. The 4X strategy title is currently available through early access, primarily attracting hardcore Civilization enthusiasts. These players have voiced concerns regarding the user interface, limited map variety, and a perceived lack of expected features.

Firaxis has acknowledged this feedback, promising UI improvements, the addition of cooperative multiplayer teams, and a greater diversity of map types, among other enhancements.

In an interview with IGN, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledged the mixed reception, including a critical Eurogamer review, but expressed optimism about the game's long-term prospects. He cited a Metacritic score of 81 and numerous reviews exceeding 90, highlighting the positive critical response. Zelnick believes the initial apprehension among longtime fans stems from the significant changes implemented in Civilization VII. He anticipates that as players invest more time, their opinions will shift positively.

"We think that as people play the game longer, the sentiment improves," Zelnick stated. He specifically mentioned UI issues as an area needing attention. While acknowledging imperfections in the early access release, he expressed overall encouragement and a commitment to addressing concerns.

Zelnick's comments regarding initial nervousness among hardcore fans likely refer to the game's substantial departures from previous iterations. Civilization VII features a campaign spanning three Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. Age transitions trigger simultaneous changes for all players, including civilization selection, legacy retention, and world evolution—a novel system unprecedented in the Civilization series.

In the immediate future, Firaxis faces the challenge of improving player sentiment, particularly on Steam. A strong Steam user review rating is vital for the game's success on the platform, impacting both public perception and visibility.