Civilization 7's launch has received a mixed reception on Steam, prompting concerns from some hardcore fans. Take-Two's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, however, remains optimistic, believing the game's core audience will ultimately embrace it.

The game's early access release, primarily targeting dedicated Civilization players, has seen criticism focused on the user interface (UI), limited map variety, and a perceived absence of expected features. Firaxis has acknowledged these concerns and pledged improvements, including UI enhancements, the addition of multiplayer teams, and more diverse map types.

Zelnick, in an interview with IGN, acknowledged negative reviews, citing Eurogamer's 2/5 score, but pointed to a Metacritic score of 81 and numerous reviews exceeding 90 as evidence of positive reception. He attributes some negative feedback to the significant changes implemented in Civilization 7, stating that the "legacy Civ audience" often needs time to adapt to innovative features before fully appreciating them.

A key innovation in Civ 7 is the three-Age campaign structure (Antiquity, Exploration, Modern), featuring simultaneous Age Transitions for all players. These transitions involve selecting a new civilization, retaining legacies, and world evolution – a departure from previous Civilization titles. Zelnick is confident that this novel system will ultimately be well-received.

Despite Zelnick's confidence, Firaxis faces the challenge of improving player sentiment, particularly on Steam. The platform's user review rating is vital for a game's success, influencing both public perception and Steam's algorithm for game visibility. Addressing the identified shortcomings will be crucial for improving the game's standing and attracting a wider player base.