Civilization 7 Criticized as a \"$100 Beta Test\": Players Voice Their Discontent
- By Ryan
- Mar 19,2025
Sid Meier's Civilization VII launched to a wave of criticism from players who feel the game is significantly unfinished, more akin to a beta test than a completed release. This perception is particularly jarring given the premium edition's $100 price tag, fueling widespread frustration and vocal complaints.
The issues extend beyond simple technical glitches; players cite problems with gameplay mechanics, design flaws, and generally unpolished features. The developers' admission that certain aspects remain works in progress only exacerbated the situation.
One particularly notable example is the supposedly "unique" British unit, which turned out to be a generic model identical to standard units. While developers promised an update to rectify this, the explanation did little to soothe player anger.
Image: reddit.com
This incident highlighted broader concerns about the game's premature release. Many potential buyers are delaying purchases, viewing the current state of the game as justification for their wait-and-see approach.
Steam reviews currently reflect a "mixed" reception, showcasing the division between those appreciating the core concept and those disappointed by its flawed execution. While patches are addressing bugs and improving performance, the pace of updates hasn't quelled player discontent.
The $100 price point significantly amplifies the frustration. Players argue that paying such a premium for a bug-ridden game, feeling more like early access than a finished product, is unacceptable. This has sparked wider conversations about the industry trend of rushing games to market at the cost of quality.
The development team has pledged to address the most critical issues through upcoming patches, focusing on stability improvements, gameplay refinements, and resolving visual inconsistencies like the infamous British unit. However, significant skepticism remains, with many players uncertain if these efforts will be sufficient to restore their confidence.
