Civilization VII's Early Access Launch Receives Backlash on Steam

Civilization VII (Civ 7), launched five days early via Steam's Advanced Access, has garnered overwhelmingly negative player reviews, resulting in a "Mostly Negative" rating on the platform. This unexpected reception follows considerable anticipation for the game, the first mainline entry since Civ VI in 2016.

The criticism centers on several key areas:

User Interface (UI) Concerns: Many players find the UI significantly inferior to Civ VI's, describing it as "janky," "ugly," and even comparing it to a "free mobile knockoff." Some speculate that Firaxis Games prioritized console development, leading to a simplified and less customizable UI experience.

Map Limitations: The map system is another source of frustration. Players report issues with map selection, limited map size options (only small, medium, and large, compared to Civ VI's five sizes), and a lack of customization. The lack of detailed map information during selection is also criticized.

Resource Mechanics Controversy: The new resource mechanics, which assign resources to cities or empires through strategic management rather than direct tile acquisition, are a major point of contention. Players argue that Civ VI's map-based resource system offered greater replayability.

Firaxis Games has acknowledged the negative feedback, particularly regarding the UI, promising ongoing improvements and encouraging players to share their suggestions for future updates and expansions. The developer's response indicates a commitment to addressing these concerns, but the initial negative reception raises significant questions about the game's launch readiness.