The launch of Civilization 7 on Steam has been challenging, to say the least. Since its debut in February, the strategy game has struggled to attract players on Valve's platform, with Steam user reviews reflecting a 'mixed' reaction. Despite multiple patches from developer Firaxis aimed at improving the game, Civilization 7 has fewer players on Steam than its predecessors, Civilization 6 and the 15-year-old Civilization 5.
While the game's performance on Steam is a significant concern, it's important to note that Civilization 7 also launched on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. A version for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, utilizing new Joy-Con mouse controls, is set to release soon. However, the franchise's core audience has always been on PC, where Civilization 7 is clearly facing challenges.
In an interview with IGN ahead of Take-Two's latest financial results, CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed his enthusiasm for Civilization 7, stating, "I'm thrilled with Civ 7 so far." He acknowledged initial issues but praised Firaxis for their efforts in addressing them. Zelnick remains optimistic, believing that further improvements will lead to a successful title.
Zelnick highlighted the Civilization franchise's history of long sales cycles, suggesting that Civilization 7 will follow a similar trajectory. He noted that initial changes often cause concern among fans due to their deep affection for the series, but over time, these changes are typically embraced, leading to strong sales.
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At launch, players pointed out several issues with Civilization 7, including problems with the user interface, a lack of map variety, and the absence of expected features. Zelnick's comments about the initial nervousness among hardcore Civ players likely refer to the significant changes Firaxis introduced, such as the new Age Transition system.
In Civilization 7, a full campaign spans three Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. During an Age Transition, players select a new civilization for the new Age, choose which Legacies to retain, and witness the evolution of the game world. This system is a first for the Civilization series, and Zelnick believes that fans will grow to appreciate it over time.
Although Take-Two has not disclosed specific sales figures for Civilization 7, the company's financial report mentioned efforts to expand the game's audience. This includes the recent launch of Civilization 7 VR for Meta Quest 3 and 3S, as well as the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 port.
