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

Civilization 7's launch has garnered mixed Steam reviews, yet Take-Two's CEO remains optimistic. While early access players, often hardcore Civ fans, have voiced concerns about the UI, limited map variety, and missing features, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick believes their opinions will shift with increased playtime.

Currently available to early access purchasers, Civilization 7 has received a mixed reception, with Steam reviews highlighting UI shortcomings, a lack of map diversity, and absent expected features. Firaxis has acknowledged this feedback, promising UI improvements, the addition of multiplayer teams for cooperative play, and a broader range of map types.

Zelnick, in an interview with IGN, acknowledged negative reviews, including Eurogamer's 2/5 score, but pointed to a Metacritic score of 81 and numerous reviews exceeding 90 as indicators of positive reception. He attributes some negative feedback to the innovative changes implemented in Civilization 7, suggesting that the "legacy Civ audience," initially hesitant, will ultimately appreciate the game's depth.

Zelnick's comments regarding initial apprehension among hardcore fans directly address Firaxis' significant gameplay alterations. Civilization 7 introduces a novel three-age campaign structure (Antiquity, Exploration, Modern) with simultaneous Age Transitions for all players. These transitions involve selecting a new civilization, choosing retained Legacies, and witnessing world evolution—a completely new mechanic for the series.

Despite Zelnick's confidence, Firaxis faces the challenge of improving player sentiment, especially on Steam. A game's Steam user review rating is paramount for its success on the platform, impacting both public perception and visibility. Therefore, addressing the identified issues is crucial for Civilization 7's long-term success.