The launch of Sid Meier's Civilization 7 has been met with significant criticism from the gaming community, who feel the game resembles a beta test rather than a fully realized release. Priced at a premium of $100, this perception has left players feeling frustrated and vocal about the myriad issues they've encountered.
The criticism goes beyond simple technical glitches, touching on gameplay mechanics, design oversights, and unpolished features. The tipping point for many players was when developers admitted that certain elements of the game were still works in progress, a revelation that only deepened their dissatisfaction.
A particular issue that drew attention was the so-called "unique" British unit. Contrary to promotional materials, the unit featured a generic model indistinguishable from standard units. Developers have since announced plans for an update to introduce a proper redesign, but this has done little to soothe the community's frustrations.
Image: reddit.com
This incident has underscored broader concerns about the game's readiness at launch. As a result, many potential buyers are opting to wait until these issues are resolved, seeing the current state of the game as confirmation of their decision to delay purchase.
On Steam, Civilization 7 currently holds "mixed" reviews, reflecting the divide between those who appreciate its core concepts and those disappointed by its execution. While patches are being rolled out to address bugs and improve performance, the pace of these updates has not been sufficient to quell player discontent.
The premium pricing of Civilization 7 has exacerbated frustrations. Players argue that paying $100 for a game filled with issues is unjustifiable, especially when it feels more like an early access title than a polished final product. This has sparked wider discussions about whether modern games are being rushed to market at the expense of quality.
In response to the backlash, the development team has pledged to release patches aimed at resolving the most pressing issues. These updates are intended to enhance stability, refine gameplay, and address visual inconsistencies such as the British unit controversy. However, many players remain skeptical, questioning whether these efforts will be enough to restore their faith in the game.