Civilization 7 has been one of the more contentious games of 2025. Currently, its Steam rating is almost perfectly balanced, with gamers split between those who appreciate its streamlined approach and others who feel it sacrifices depth and complexity.

This feedback isn’t new in the series’ history, as noted by Strauss Zelnick, the head of Civ 7’s publisher, Take-Two Interactive. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Zelnick acknowledged that the sequel faced its share of hurdles. He emphasized that similar reactions have accompanied earlier iterations of Civilization.

He stated, “Every time we’ve introduced a new version of Civilization, consumer reactions have varied significantly, especially among die-hard fans. Then, as we implement updates and adjustments in response to concerns, the sales momentum tends to be prolonged, and eventually, many users come to appreciate the game once more.”

This perspective is tempered by Zelnick’s admission that there’s still room for improvement. He expressed satisfaction with the game’s commercial success and optimistic about future critical reception: “We’re genuinely pleased with how things are progressing, and I believe that over time, it will all turn out well.”

For further insights and updates on Civilization 7, consider checking back periodically.