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 significantly incomplete, more akin to a beta test than a finished product. This perception is particularly galling given the premium edition's $100 price tag, fueling widespread frustration and vocal complaints.

The issues extend beyond simple technical glitches; gameplay mechanics, design choices, and unfinished features are all targets of player discontent. The developers' admission that certain aspects remain works in progress only exacerbated this dissatisfaction.

One particularly egregious example highlighted the advertised "unique" British unit, which turned out to be a generic model indistinguishable from standard units. While developers promised an update to rectify this, the explanation did little to soothe the community's anger.

Image: reddit.com

This incident underscored broader concerns about the game's premature release. Many potential buyers are delaying purchases, viewing the current state of the game as confirmation of their wait-and-see approach.

Steam reviews currently reflect a "mixed" reception, a testament to the division between those who appreciate the core concept and those disappointed by the execution. While patches are being released to address bugs and improve performance, their pace has failed to quell the negative sentiment.

Civilization VII's premium price point further amplifies the frustration. Players argue that paying $100 for a game riddled with issues is unacceptable, especially when it feels more like an early access title than a polished final product. This has sparked wider discussions about the potential for rushed releases prioritizing speed over quality.

In response, the development team has pledged to address the most pressing issues through future patches, aiming to improve stability, refine gameplay, and correct visual inconsistencies like the British unit debacle. However, considerable skepticism remains, with many players questioning whether these efforts will be sufficient to restore their faith.