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 considered hardcore fans, have voiced concerns regarding the user interface, limited map variety, and missing features, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick believes these criticisms will subside with increased playtime.

The game's current Steam user review rating is "mixed," with players highlighting UI issues and a perceived lack of content compared to previous iterations. Firaxis has acknowledged this feedback and pledged improvements, including UI enhancements, the addition of multiplayer teams, and expanded map options.

Zelnick points to a Metacritic score of 81 and numerous reviews exceeding 90 as evidence of the game's overall quality. He acknowledges negative reviews, such as Eurogamer's 2/5 score, but maintains that the "legacy Civ audience," initially apprehensive about the significant changes, will ultimately embrace the game. He specifically cites the innovative three-Age campaign structure with simultaneous Age Transitions, a feature unprecedented in the Civilization series, as a key element that will win over players.

Zelnick's confidence stems from the belief that the game's novel mechanics, while initially jarring, will prove compelling with extended gameplay. However, Firaxis faces the immediate challenge of improving the game's reception on Steam, where user reviews significantly impact visibility and overall success. Addressing the identified issues is crucial for enhancing the game's appeal and achieving a more positive player response.