Civilization 7 Flops on Steam Amidst Fan Backlash

Author: Grace Feb 23,2025

Civilization 7 Flops on Steam Amidst Fan Backlash

Sid Meier's Civilization VII: A Disappointing Launch

Many Firaxis fans eagerly awaited the next installment in the Civilization series, only to be met with overwhelmingly negative Steam reviews upon Civilization VII's release. The game's reception has been marred by widespread criticism targeting its user interface, outdated graphics, and perceived unfinished state.

At the time of writing, over 1,000 reviews have been submitted, resulting in a dismal 37% rating.

User Cool CGI Dog, after a mere 1.5 hours of gameplay, voiced their frustration:

"The game feels incredibly incomplete, especially for a Civ title. The resource icons look like they're from 1998, the interface is atrocious, and the overall presentation is incredibly sloppy. There's a clear lack of polish, something I never expected from Firaxis. Civ VI's release is a stark contrast to this unfinished mess. At the very least, Civ VII's interface demands a complete visual overhaul to justify its exorbitant $70 price tag. This feels like a personal insult."

Another player, WillNever, echoed these sentiments after 2.5 hours:

"The interface looks and feels like an alpha build, untouched and unimproved. While the new mechanics are interesting, navigating this dreadful interface makes the experience unbearable. Months of refinement are needed to make this game enjoyable."

The consensus among reviewers is that the game launched prematurely and requires substantial improvements. The $70 price point has been heavily criticized as disproportionate to the game's current quality.

Series fans remain hopeful that Firaxis will address the considerable feedback and implement updates to rectify the issues and restore the game's reputation. The Civilization franchise has always been synonymous with high quality and meticulous detail; players expect the seventh installment to eventually live up to that legacy, but its current state falls far short.