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Take-Two CEO reckons Civilization 7’s mixed reception is just history repeating itself: ‘Every time we’ve come out with a new platform iteration of Civilization, there’s been some consternation on the part of consumers’
May 17, 2025
Divided Opinions on Civilization 7
Civilization 7 has emerged as one of the most polarizing titles of 2025, with its Steam rating reflecting a near-even split among players. On one side, there are those who appreciate the game’s efforts to streamline the gameplay experience. On the other, a significant number of players argue that these changes have led to a turn-based strategy that feels shallow and predictable. This division marks one of the most contentious receptions for a new entry in the Civilization series in recent memory.
In a recent discussion with GamesIndustry.biz, Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of Take-Two Interactive, addressed the varied responses to Civilization 7. While acknowledging that the game faced “some challenges at launch,” he emphasized that divergent opinions are not uncommon in the franchise’s storied history. Zelnick’s perspective suggests that the backlash is part of a broader pattern seen with previous installments.
However, it is essential to consider the scale of dissent surrounding this iteration. As of three months post-launch, only 48% of Steam reviewers have rated the game positively, a modest increase of just 4% since its debut. This slow progression indicates that the game has not yet won over a significant portion of its critics.
On the commercial front, Zelnick’s assertion regarding strong sales appears to hold merit. Data from video game analyst Mat Piscatella reveals that Civilization 7 ranks as the 8th best-selling game of 2025 in the United States. Nevertheless, its popularity seems to lag behind earlier entries in the series. Current Steam charts show that Civilization 7 has approximately 9,537 concurrent players, a stark contrast to the 43,307 players engaged in Civilization 6 and 15,981 in Civilization 5. This discrepancy raises questions about Zelnick’s comments on the game’s longevity.
Amidst this backdrop, it is noteworthy that some voices lean towards a more favorable view of Civilization 7. Robert Zak, who reviewed the game at launch, expressed a positive outlook on its changes, suggesting that the game is the most streamlined and accessible version in years. He noted that while the adjustments enhance pacing—especially in multiplayer—some players might miss the depth and mechanical diversity that characterized earlier titles.
Take-Two CEO reckons Civilization 7’s mixed reception is just history repeating itself: ‘Every time we’ve come out with a new platform iteration of Civilization, there’s been some consternation on the part of consumers’
Divided Opinions on Civilization 7
Civilization 7 has emerged as one of the most polarizing titles of 2025, with its Steam rating reflecting a near-even split among players. On one side, there are those who appreciate the game’s efforts to streamline the gameplay experience. On the other, a significant number of players argue that these changes have led to a turn-based strategy that feels shallow and predictable. This division marks one of the most contentious receptions for a new entry in the Civilization series in recent memory.
In a recent discussion with GamesIndustry.biz, Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of Take-Two Interactive, addressed the varied responses to Civilization 7. While acknowledging that the game faced “some challenges at launch,” he emphasized that divergent opinions are not uncommon in the franchise’s storied history. Zelnick’s perspective suggests that the backlash is part of a broader pattern seen with previous installments.
However, it is essential to consider the scale of dissent surrounding this iteration. As of three months post-launch, only 48% of Steam reviewers have rated the game positively, a modest increase of just 4% since its debut. This slow progression indicates that the game has not yet won over a significant portion of its critics.
On the commercial front, Zelnick’s assertion regarding strong sales appears to hold merit. Data from video game analyst Mat Piscatella reveals that Civilization 7 ranks as the 8th best-selling game of 2025 in the United States. Nevertheless, its popularity seems to lag behind earlier entries in the series. Current Steam charts show that Civilization 7 has approximately 9,537 concurrent players, a stark contrast to the 43,307 players engaged in Civilization 6 and 15,981 in Civilization 5. This discrepancy raises questions about Zelnick’s comments on the game’s longevity.
Amidst this backdrop, it is noteworthy that some voices lean towards a more favorable view of Civilization 7. Robert Zak, who reviewed the game at launch, expressed a positive outlook on its changes, suggesting that the game is the most streamlined and accessible version in years. He noted that while the adjustments enhance pacing—especially in multiplayer—some players might miss the depth and mechanical diversity that characterized earlier titles.