Sid Meier's Civilization 7 has launched to widespread player criticism, with many feeling the game is far from a complete product. The experience for several has been more like participating in an open beta than enjoying a final release. Given the premium edition's $100 price tag, this perception has led to considerable frustration, with players openly discussing the game's many issues.
Criticism isn't limited to technical bugs alone; it includes core gameplay mechanics, questionable design decisions, and features that feel unrefined. For some, the final straw was when the developers confirmed that parts of the game were still under development—a disclosure that only intensified the disappointment.
A particular point of contention was the "unique" British unit, which players discovered used a generic model identical to standard units instead of a distinct one as advertised. The developers later clarified that a redesign is in the works for a future update, but this did little to calm the upset player base.
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This situation underscored a wider concern for many about the game’s overall state at launch. Some prospective buyers have decided to hold off on purchasing Civilization 7 until key issues are resolved, viewing the rocky release as confirmation of their cautious approach.
On Steam, Civilization 7 currently holds a "Mixed" review rating, illustrating the divide between players who value its underlying vision and those let down by its unfinished execution. Although patches are being released to fix bugs and enhance performance, the speed of these improvements hasn't yet eased player frustration.
The $100 premium price has magnified these concerns. Gamers argue that paying full price for a title that feels more like early access than a finished game is hard to justify. This has fueled broader conversations about whether major games are being pushed to market too soon, sacrificing polish for speed.
In response to the outcry, the development team has pledged ongoing updates to tackle the most urgent problems. These patches aim to improve stability, fine-tune gameplay, and correct visual issues such as the British unit model. Still, many in the community remain doubtful, unsure whether these fixes will be enough to restore their confidence in the title.
