Take-Two CEO reckons Civilization 7's mixed reception is just history repeating itself: 'Every time we've come out with a new platform iteration of Civilization, there's been some consternation on the part of consumers'

Civilization 7 screenshot.

Civilization 7 has proved one of the more divisive games of 2025 thus far. At present, its Steam rating is split almost precisely down the middle, between players who enjoy its attempt to streamline the experience, and those who believe the changes result in a shallow and predictable turn-based strategy.

It's the most divided response to a new Civilization game that I can personally recall. But according to Strauss Zelnick, boss of Civ 7's publisher Take-Two Interactive, the reaction is nothing new when compared to the great span of the series' history.