Civilization 7's rocky launch hasn't deterred Take-Two's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, who remains confident that dedicated fans will ultimately embrace the game. Despite a "mixed" Steam user review rating, highlighting UI concerns, limited map variety, and missing features, Zelnick points to a Metacritic score of 81 and numerous reviews exceeding 90 as evidence of the game's overall quality.
The game's early access release, primarily targeting hardcore Civilization fans, has seen them voicing their dissatisfaction. However, Zelnick believes this initial negativity is a common reaction to significant changes within the series. He anticipates that players will grow to appreciate the innovations as they become more familiar with the gameplay.
Firaxis has acknowledged player feedback, promising UI improvements, the addition of multiplayer teams for cooperative play, and a broader range of map types. These planned updates directly address many of the criticisms leveled by the community.
Zelnick specifically cites the novel Age Transition system as a potential source of initial apprehension. Civilization 7's campaign spans three Ages (Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern), with each transition triggering a simultaneous civilization choice, Legacy selection, and world evolution for all players. This unprecedented mechanic, while potentially disruptive, is expected to win over players with extended playtime.
Nevertheless, Firaxis faces the immediate challenge of improving player sentiment, particularly on Steam. The platform's user review system significantly impacts a game's visibility and success, making a positive shift in reviews a crucial priority for the game's continued growth.
