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

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, Zelnick points to a Metacritic score of 81 and numerous reviews exceeding 90 as evidence of the game's overall quality. He acknowledges criticisms, particularly concerning the user interface (UI), map variety, and missing features, but emphasizes Firaxis' commitment to addressing these concerns with planned UI improvements, the addition of multiplayer teams, and more diverse map types.

Early access players, often considered the most dedicated Civilization fans, have been vocal in their feedback on Steam. Zelnick attributes some negative reactions to the significant changes introduced in Civilization 7, such as the three-age campaign structure with simultaneous Age Transitions. This system, unprecedented in the Civilization series, involves choosing a new civilization, selecting carried-over Legacies, and witnessing world evolution at the end of each Age. Zelnick believes this innovative approach will win over players with time.

While acknowledging the negative outliers, including a harsh Eurogamer review, Zelnick maintains a positive outlook. He suggests that initial apprehension from the "legacy Civ audience" will fade as players become more familiar with the game's mechanics and appreciate its innovations. However, Firaxis faces the immediate challenge of improving player sentiment on Steam, where user reviews significantly impact the game's visibility and overall success.