In a recent announcement, CI Games, the publisher behind the action-RPG Lords of the Fallen, has made it clear that it will steer clear of embedding social or political agendas in its games. This decision comes in response to perceived commercial risks associated with such themes. The company's global marketing director, Ryan Hill, highlighted the studio's commitment to delivering an exceptional user experience focused on engaging narratives and characters tailored for both core gamers and broader audiences. Hill emphasized that while some developers have incorporated social and political elements into their games, this approach has not always resonated well with players, leading to subpar sales performance.
The gaming industry has seen several high-profile titles underperform commercially over the past year. According to Hill, this downturn can be attributed, at least in part, to the inclusion of social or political messages within these games. CI Games aims to avoid similar pitfalls by focusing solely on enhancing player enjoyment and ensuring commercial success. The studio intends to prioritize creating immersive and compelling gameplay experiences without integrating any external agendas that could potentially alienate its audience. Hill did not provide specific examples of games that he believed had underperformed due to these factors, nor did he elaborate on what constitutes commercial success for the company.
When asked about the studio's stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in gaming, Hill reiterated the company's dedication to putting players first. He stated that while CI Games acknowledges the importance of these issues, they prefer to concentrate on crafting enjoyable and commercially viable products. The publisher has decided against incorporating social or political themes into its games following observations of the associated risks. This strategic move reflects the studio's commitment to maximizing player satisfaction and maintaining strong market performance.
Despite the mixed reception of Lords of the Fallen on platforms like Steam and in reviews from outlets such as Eurogamer, CI Games remains optimistic about the future. With a sequel currently in development, the company is positioning itself to deliver a more refined and appealing experience for its players. By avoiding controversial topics and focusing on core gameplay elements, CI Games hopes to achieve greater success and build a stronger connection with its audience.