Civilization 7 Criticized as a \"$100 Beta Test\": Players Voice Their Discontent

Sid Meier's Civilization VII launched to a wave of criticism from players who feel the game is unfinished, more akin to a beta test than a polished release. The premium edition's $100 price tag only amplifies this frustration, leaving many gamers vocal about the numerous issues.

Complaints extend beyond technical glitches, encompassing gameplay mechanics, design flaws, and generally unpolished features. The admission from developers that certain elements were still works in progress further fueled player dissatisfaction.

A prime example of this is the advertised "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 the community's concerns.

Image: reddit.com

This incident highlighted broader concerns about the game's launch readiness. Many potential buyers are delaying purchases, seeing the numerous problems as justification for waiting.

Steam reviews currently reflect a "mixed" reception, a clear division between those who appreciate the core concept and those disappointed by its execution. While patches are addressing bugs and improving performance, the pace of updates hasn't quelled player discontent.

The $100 price point significantly exacerbates the frustration. Players feel paying such a premium for a bug-ridden game, feeling more like early access than a finished product, is unacceptable. This has sparked debate about the industry's tendency to rush games to market at the cost of quality.

The development team has pledged to address the most pressing issues through future patches, focusing on stability, gameplay refinement, and visual inconsistencies like the infamous British unit. However, significant skepticism remains, with many questioning whether these efforts will be sufficient to restore faith in Civilization VII.