Civilization 7 to Win Over 'Legacy' Fans Despite 'Mixed' Steam Reviews, Says Take-Two CEO

Civilization 7 has hit the market, and while it's garnered a 'mixed' user review rating on Steam, Take-Two's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, remains optimistic. He believes that the game's dedicated fanbase will grow to appreciate it as they delve deeper into its mechanics.

The game, developed by Firaxis, is currently accessible to those who opted for advanced access, a group often comprised of the series' most ardent followers. These players have been vocal about their concerns, particularly regarding the user interface, the lack of map variety, and the absence of expected features at launch.

In response, Firaxis has committed to enhancing the user interface, introducing team-based multiplayer options, and expanding the variety of map types, among other improvements.

In a recent interview with IGN, Zelnick addressed the mixed reception, including a notably low 2/5 review from Eurogamer. Despite this, he highlighted the game's solid Metacritic score of 81 and noted that over 20 reviews scored it above 90. He expressed confidence that as players spend more time with Civilization 7, their appreciation will grow, a sentiment often seen with new entries in the series.

Zelnick acknowledged some initial issues, such as the user interface, but emphasized that these are areas Firaxis is actively working to improve. He described the early access release as "very encouraging" and believes that the game's innovative features, like the new Age Transition system, will eventually win over fans.

Civilization 7 introduces a unique gameplay mechanic where players progress through three Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. At the end of each Age, players and AI opponents undergo an Age Transition, selecting a new civilization, choosing Legacies to carry forward, and witnessing the evolution of the game world. This system marks a significant departure from previous entries in the series.

As Firaxis works to address the community's feedback, particularly on Steam, the importance of improving the game's user review rating cannot be overstated. A positive rating not only reflects well on the game but also enhances its visibility and success on Valve's platform.