is currently having the same problem as people waiting for Civilization 7:Firaxis' new turn-based strategy game will not be playable before release.But that would be necessary to dispel some of the doubts that plague many fans of the series:
- About the change of civilization
- About the three eras and the soft reboot after each change
- About artificial intelligence and gameplay
It would be so simple:Civilization 7 needs a demo.But whether and when that will come is anyone’s guess. What a missed opportunity!
Play yourself instead of complaining
Demos like the ones foror the C&C alternativejust got myself into onehighly nostalgic moodoffset: When there used to be preview versions on magazine DVDs, we old dudes and dudes could often try out new games weeks and sometimes even months before release.
In the best case scenario, this increased anticipation and gave you a good impression of the game: "Is this for me?" In my opinion, such a check would take away many people's skepticism about Civilization 7. Because whenever I talk to our testers about Civ 7,I hear a lot of positive things.
The mood on YouTube looks completely different than what some comment columns would have you believe: strategy experts likePotatoMcWhiskeyare enthusiastic about what they have played so far and the German YouTuberSteinwallenDespite minor points of criticism, praises the basic gameplay highly.
Author Reiner Hauser also says clearly in his preview that the changes in the new Civ will take place for a whilea big changecompared to the series traditions. But - and this is the key - when you play it yourself, Civilization 7 has exactly the same addictive effect as before:
Note: Civilization 7 likes from a distance, but if you experience it yourself, many of these alleged criticisms disappear into good graces. This is exactly where a demo could come in and take away players' fears that are already growinglook around.
History repeats itself
Alreadyhad to endure a lot of criticism before its release in 2016, back then it was mainly about the graphic style. That one came laterTrouble with enemy AIin addition.
Nevertheless, the game hasaccording to SteamSpy sold over ten million copies, even today between 50,000 and 80,000 people play it on Steam at the same time every day. More than enough to get one todayto justify.
The chances that the critical comments will turn out to be a storm in a teacup as soon as Civilization 7 is released are not bad at all. Nevertheless, in my opinion, Firaxis and 2K Games are not offering a demo versiona great opportunity missed.
With a full price of 70 euros (and various) Civilization 7 is not a game that you just buy to try out. Especially sincethe return policy on Steamonly applies to a limited extent here. In the maximum allowed playing time of two hours, you have probably only chosen your leader in a Civ and founded your second settlement.
This is exactly where a demo could start and open Civilization 7 to a larger audience,positive hypecreate and direct the discussion about the game in a new direction.
My wish: Companies like Firaxis and 2K shouldhave more confidence in their customers and gamesby releasing a demo before release. Because it can achieve more than any video-supported gameplay deep dive on YouTube. Simply because it offers players something that cannot be replaced: first-hand experience.
At least there is hope for the future: Civilization 6 got a demo back then -five months after the start of sales.
