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

The launch of Sid Meier's Civilization 7 has been met with significant criticism from the gaming community, who feel the game is far from complete. Many players have described their experience as akin to participating in a beta test rather than playing a fully realized release. With the premium edition priced at $100, this perception has left gamers frustrated and vocal about the numerous issues plaguing the title.

The complaints extend beyond mere technical glitches, encompassing gameplay mechanics, design oversights, and unpolished features. For some players, the tipping point came when developers acknowledged that certain elements of the game were still works in progress—a revelation that only deepened dissatisfaction.

One specific issue that caught players' attention was the supposed "unique" British unit. Contrary to what was advertised, the unit turned out to have a generic model identical to standard units. Developers later explained that they are working on an update to introduce a proper redesign, but this clarification did little to appease the community.

Image: reddit.com

For many, this incident highlighted broader concerns about the game's readiness at launch. Some potential buyers have decided to postpone purchasing Civilization 7 until these problems are addressed, viewing the situation as validation of their decision to wait.

On Steam, Civilization 7 currently holds "mixed" reviews, reflecting the divide between players who appreciate its core ideas and those disillusioned by its execution. While patches are gradually being rolled out to address bugs and improve performance, the pace of these updates has not been enough to quell player discontent.

The premium price point of Civilization 7 has further amplified frustrations. Players feel that paying $100 for a game riddled with issues is unjustifiable, especially when it feels more like an early access title than a polished final product. This sentiment has sparked discussions about whether modern games are being rushed to market at the expense of quality.

In response to the backlash, the development team has committed to releasing patches aimed at resolving the most pressing issues. These updates are intended to enhance stability, refine gameplay, and address visual inconsistencies like the British unit controversy. However, many players remain skeptical, questioning whether these efforts will be enough to salvage their faith in the game.