New Platform Version of Civilization Often Meets With Consumer Discontent, According to Take-Two CEO: 'Every New Iteration of Civilization on a Fresh Platform Triggers Some Unease Among Users'
Digging into the heart of the gaming world, we find ourselves in the thick of the controversy stirred up by Sid Meier's Civilization VII. Launched back in February 2025, this turn-based strategy game has been a subject of heated debate among players and critics alike.
According to Strauss Zelnick, the head honcho at Take-Two Interactive, the publisher of Civilization VII, this isn't the first time a new Civilization game has faced such a response from the audience. In a candid chat with GamesIndustry.biz, Zelnick admitted that, originally, the game had its fair share of challenges. However, he remained upbeat about its commercial performance, stating that "sales are strong."
However, the numbers tell a different story. While Civilization VII is currently the 8 best-selling game of 2025 in the US, it seems to have lost some of its shine compared to previous entries in the series. With only 48% of Steam reviewers viewing the game positively, compared to 43,307 players in Civilization VI and 15,981 players in Civilization V, the game's longevity is questionable, seemingly contradicting Zelnick's optimistic comments.
Despite the initial divide, the game's updates have been well-received, with players appreciating the new features and improvements, especially the additions that enhance gameplay longevity and multiplayer capabilities. The updates have introduced new leaders, civilizations, and natural wonders, along with improvements to console gameplay and cross-platform multiplayer. Notable features such as "One More Turn" in the Modern Age, research queuing, teams multiplayer, and reduced natural disasters have also been added.
Critically, Civilization VII has faced challenges in living up to its predecessors' standards, particularly in terms of depth and complexity. However, the updates have been seen as efforts to bridge this gap, with ongoing efforts to enhance the game's appeal and competitiveness in the strategy genre.
Among the critics, Rick Lane, PC Gamer's senior editor, fell on the more positive side of the civilizational chasm. In his review, he appreciated the game's streamlined and more accessible gameplay, particularly in multiplayer. However, he conceded that some players might yearn for the depth and mechanical diversity of its predecessors.
In essence, Civilization VII has had a rocky start, but updates have been well-received, bringing new features and improvements that have endeared the game to many. Despite its challenges, the game continues to evolve and strive for greatness in the competitive strategy genre.
- Gamers are still placing bets on whether Civilization VII can match the success of its predecessors, as their desire for depth and complexity is still a question, despite the recent updates that have enhanced gameplay longevity, multiplayer capabilities, and added new features like 'One More Turn' in the Modern Age.
- As technology advances, the latest gadgets, like high-end gaming laptops or powerful consoles, are perfect for immersing oneself in the latest strategies of Civilization VII, a game that has faced a rollercoaster ride since its launch in 2025.
- The season of heated debates and discussions surrounding the gaming world's next big hit is upon us, with Civilization VII still standing tall, boasting impressive sales, yet falling short in many reviewers' eyes when compared to earlier versions due to perceived lack of depth and complexity.
