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, resulting in 'mixed' reactions from users. Despite multiple patches from developer Firaxis aimed at improving the game, Civilization 7 currently has fewer players on Steam than both 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, which will incorporate the new Joy-Con mouse controls, is set to release soon. However, given that the Civilization series thrives primarily on PC, the struggles on Steam are particularly notable.
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 long sales cycle typical of the Civilization franchise, suggesting that Civ 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 usually appreciated, leading to strong sales.
Rank every Civilization Game
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 of hardcore Civ players likely refer to the significant changes introduced by Firaxis.
One of the major innovations in Civilization 7 is its full campaign structure, which spans three Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. During an Age Transition, players select a new civilization, choose which Legacies to retain, and witness the evolution of the game world. This system is unprecedented in the 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 port for the Nintendo Switch 2.
