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 about the user interface, limited map variety, and missing features, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick points to a positive Metacritic score of 81 and numerous reviews exceeding 90. He attributes the negative feedback to the significant changes introduced in this iteration, suggesting that the "legacy Civ audience" will ultimately embrace the game with more playtime.
Firaxis acknowledges the criticism, particularly regarding the UI, and has pledged improvements including enhanced multiplayer team functionality and expanded map options. Zelnick highlights the game's innovative Age Transition system, a departure from previous Civilization titles, where players transition through Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern ages, selecting new civilizations and retaining legacies with each shift. He believes this novel feature will ultimately win over players.
However, Firaxis faces the challenge of improving Steam user reviews, acknowledging their impact on the game's visibility and overall success on the platform. The current negative sentiment on Steam necessitates immediate action to address the identified issues and shift player perception.
