The launch of Civilization 7 on Steam has been rocky to say the least. Since its debut in February, the strategy game has struggled to attract players on Valve's platform. User reviews on Steam reflect a 'mixed' sentiment, and despite multiple patches from developer Firaxis aimed at improving the game, Civilization 7 currently boasts fewer players than its predecessors, Civilization 6 and even the 15-year-old Civilization 5.

While the Steam performance is telling, it's important to note that Civilization 7 also launched on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version that utilizes the new Joy-Con mouse controls set to release soon. However, given that the Civilization series thrives on PC, the game's struggle on this platform is particularly noteworthy.

Despite these challenges, Take-Two's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, expressed a positive outlook during an interview with IGN ahead of the company's latest financial results. "I'm thrilled with Civ 7 so far," Zelnick stated, acknowledging initial issues but praising Firaxis for their efforts in addressing them. He remains optimistic about the game's future, believing that ongoing improvements will ultimately lead to a successful title.

Zelnick highlighted the Civilization franchise's history of long sales cycles, suggesting that Civ 7 will follow a similar trajectory. He noted that initial changes often cause concern among fans due to their deep affection for the series, but over time, these changes are typically seen as improvements, leading to strong sales.

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Upon its release, players of Civilization 7 pointed out several issues, including problems with the user interface, a lack of map variety, and the absence of expected features. Zelnick's comments about the initial nervousness of hardcore Civ players likely allude to the significant changes Firaxis introduced in this installment.

One of the most notable changes in Civilization 7 is the introduction of a full campaign that spans three Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. During an Age Transition, players select a new civilization from the new Age, choose which Legacies to retain, and witness the evolution of the game world. This innovative system is unprecedented in the series, and Zelnick believes that fans will grow to appreciate it over time.

While Take-Two has not yet disclosed specific sales figures for Civilization 7, their financial report indicates efforts to broaden the game's audience. This includes the recent launch of Civilization 7 VR for Meta Quest 3 and 3S, as well as the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 port.