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

Civilization VII has arrived, but its launch hasn't been without its bumps. While receiving a "Mixed" rating on Steam, Take-Two's CEO remains confident that dedicated Civilization fans will ultimately embrace the game.

Currently available via early access, primarily to hardcore Civilization players, the game has faced criticism on Steam. Users have voiced concerns regarding the user interface, a perceived lack of map variety, and the absence of several features expected from previous installments.

Firaxis has acknowledged this feedback and pledged improvements. These include UI enhancements, the addition of team-based cooperative multiplayer, and a greater diversity of map types, among other planned additions.

Best Civ 7 Leaders

Best Civ 7 Leaders

In an interview with IGN, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick addressed the mixed reception, referencing Eurogamer's critical 2/5 review. However, he expressed optimism, predicting that the "legacy Civ audience" will grow to appreciate the game with increased playtime. He described Civilization VII's early performance as "very encouraging," citing a Metacritic score of 81 and numerous reviews exceeding 90. He acknowledged the negative reviews, including Eurogamer's, but maintained that the initial apprehension is typical for a new Civilization title. He believes that players will eventually discover the game's depth and appreciate the innovations.

He specifically mentioned UI issues as an area needing improvement, assuring players that these concerns are being addressed. Zelnick emphasized that while the early access release isn't flawless, he's confident in the game's potential and the team's ability to address the identified concerns.

Zelnick's comments about initial apprehension among hardcore fans likely refer to the significant changes implemented by Firaxis.

Civilization VII introduces a campaign structure spanning three distinct Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. Upon completing an Age, all players and AI opponents simultaneously transition to the next, involving the selection of a new civilization, the retention of chosen Legacies, and a transformation of the game world. This novel system represents a departure from previous Civilization titles.

Despite Zelnick's long-term optimism, Firaxis faces the immediate challenge of improving player sentiment, particularly on Steam. The platform's user review rating is vital for the game's success, impacting both public perception and Steam's own visibility algorithms.