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

Civilization 7's launch has sparked mixed reactions, receiving a "Mixed" rating on Steam. However, Take-Two's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, remains confident that dedicated Civilization fans will ultimately embrace the game.

The game's early access release, primarily targeting hardcore Civilization players, has seen them voicing concerns regarding the user interface (UI), limited map variety, and missing features. Firaxis has acknowledged this feedback, promising UI improvements, the addition of team-based multiplayer, and a broader range of map types.

In an interview with IGN, Zelnick acknowledged the negative reviews, including a harsh 2/5 from Eurogamer, but pointed to a Metacritic score of 81 and numerous reviews exceeding 90 as evidence of the game's overall positive reception. He believes the initial apprehension among longtime fans stems from the significant changes implemented in Civilization 7. He predicts that as players invest more time, their opinions will shift positively.

Zelnick's comments allude to the game's innovative "Age Transition" system. Civilization 7 campaigns span three Ages (Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern), each concluding with a simultaneous Age Transition for all players. This involves selecting a new civilization, choosing which Legacies to carry over, and witnessing world evolution – a novel mechanic unprecedented in previous Civilization titles.

Despite Zelnick's optimism, Firaxis faces the challenge of improving player sentiment, especially on Steam. The Steam user review rating significantly impacts the game's visibility and success on the platform. Addressing the identified issues is crucial for Firaxis to shift the perception of Civilization 7 among its dedicated player base.