Sid Meier’s Civilization VII didn’t exactly storm out of the gates when it launched about six months ago. While our review gave it a cautious thumbs-up, we also pointed out some missing features and controversial changes that might take players a while to get used to. It’s kind of a slow burn, apparently.
Firaxis has been tweaking the game since release, but on PC, the series’ biggest platform, concurrent player counts have been lagging behind those of Civilization V and Civilization VI. Not the kind of numbers you’d hope for from a new entry in such a favorite franchise.
Still, Take-Two’s CEO Strauss Zelnick isn’t sweating it. In a chat with IGN, he explained that Civilization has always been a game that builds momentum over time. He admitted the start was slow and that changes are still coming, but the game’s lifetime value projections line up with what they initially expected. Consumer interest is improving steadily, and they feel good about where the title is headed.
“I think the key thing is that Civ has always been a slow burn. It’s always been a title that had – I’m not really a big believer in the long tail theory of the entertainment business – but Civ is an example of that theory. And right now our projections for the lifetime value of the title are very consistent with our initial expectations for the title.
So while we were off to a slow start and while we have had to make changes – and there are more changes coming – I feel like consumer uptake is better and better and we feel really good about the title. I think over time it’s going to take its place in its civilization pantheon in a very successful, credible way.”
Zelnick didn’t reveal exact sales numbers but mentioned that they are “definitely improving” as the game matures. So, is this just a case of a franchise that needs time to find its feet again? Maybe that’s what they were going for.
What do you think about Civilization 7 now that it’s been out for a while? Has it won you over or left you cold? Feel free to build your empire in the comments below.
