"Take-Two CEO Optimistic About 'Legacy' Fans Embracing Civilization 7 Despite Mixed Steam Reviews"

Civilization 7 has hit the market, but it's currently sitting at a 'mixed' user review rating on Steam. Despite this, Take-Two's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, remains optimistic, expressing confidence that the game's dedicated fanbase will grow to appreciate it over time.

The game, developed by Firaxis, is a 4X strategy sequel available for early access to its most avid fans. These hardcore players have been vocal about their concerns, particularly regarding the user interface, the lack of map diversity, and the absence of expected features at launch.

Responding to the feedback, Firaxis has committed to enhancing the UI, introducing team-based multiplayer modes for cooperative play, and increasing the variety of map types, among other planned improvements.

In an interview with IGN before the release of Take-Two's third-quarter financial results, Zelnick acknowledged the mixed reception, including a notably low 2/5 score from Eurogamer. However, he highlighted that the game's Metacritic score stands at a solid 81, with over 20 reviews scoring above 90. He believes that as players spend more time with the game, their sentiment will improve, a pattern he notes is typical with new entries in the Civilization series.

Zelnick's confidence stems from the significant changes introduced in Civilization 7, such as the new Age Transition system. This system allows players to progress through three distinct Ages—Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern—each with its own set of civilizations and challenges. During these transitions, players select a new civilization, choose which Legacies to carry forward, and witness the evolution of the game world. This innovative mechanic, unprecedented in the series, is something Zelnick believes fans will come to appreciate.

In the immediate future, Firaxis is focused on addressing the community's concerns, especially on Steam. A game's Steam user review rating is vital for its success on the platform, influencing both public perception and visibility. As Firaxis works to refine Civilization 7, the hope is that these efforts will turn the tide of public opinion and secure the game's place among the cherished entries in the Civilization franchise.