Civilization 7's launch has garnered mixed Steam reviews, yet Take-Two's CEO remains optimistic. The game, currently in early access, has faced criticism from hardcore fans regarding its user interface, limited map variety, and perceived missing features.

Firaxis, the developer, acknowledges these concerns and has pledged improvements, including UI enhancements, the addition of cooperative multiplayer teams, and a broader range of map types.

In an interview with IGN, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledged negative reviews, citing Eurogamer's 2/5 score, but highlighted the positive Metacritic score of 81 and numerous reviews exceeding 90. He expressed confidence that dedicated Civilization players, initially apprehensive about the changes, will ultimately appreciate the game's innovations.

Zelnick attributed the initial negative feedback to the significant changes introduced in Civilization 7, particularly the three-age campaign structure with simultaneous Age Transitions. This system, unprecedented in previous Civilization titles, involves selecting a new civilization, choosing retained Legacies, and witnessing world evolution at each transition.

While acknowledging the need for improvements, particularly regarding the Steam user review rating (crucial for visibility and perception on the platform), Zelnick remains confident in the game's long-term success, believing that player sentiment will shift positively with increased playtime.