Civilization 7 has hit the market, garnering a 'mixed' user review rating on Steam. Despite this, Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of Take-Two, remains optimistic, expressing confidence that the dedicated fans of the series will grow to appreciate the game over time. Currently, Civilization 7 is accessible to those who opt for advanced access, typically the more ardent followers of the franchise. These fans have been vocal about their concerns, particularly regarding the user interface, a perceived lack of map variety, and missing features that have been staples in previous iterations.
In response to the feedback, Firaxis has committed to enhancing the user interface, introducing team-based multiplayer options, and expanding the range of map types, among other planned updates. These improvements are aimed at addressing the community's concerns and enhancing the overall gaming experience.
During an interview with IGN, Zelnick acknowledged the mixed reception, including a notably low 2/5 score from Eurogamer. However, he pointed out that Civilization 7's Metacritic score stands at a solid 81, with over 20 reviews scoring above 90. Zelnick believes that as players spend more time with the game, their initial reservations will give way to appreciation, a pattern he says is typical with new Civilization releases.
Zelnick also highlighted the innovative Age Transition system in Civilization 7, a novel feature where players advance through three distinct Ages—Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern—each requiring a new civilization selection and the retention of Legacies. This system, unprecedented in the series, is expected to be a game-changer that fans will come to love.
However, the immediate challenge for Firaxis is to improve sentiment on platforms like Steam, where user reviews significantly influence a game's visibility and success. Addressing the concerns raised by the community will be crucial in turning around the game's reception and ensuring its long-term success.
