CI Games, the publisher behind Lords of the Fallen, has made a clear declaration: it will steer clear of social and political elements in its video games.
The reasoning for this decision hinges on the considerable risks that accompany such narratives.
Focus on Gaming Experience
In a recent conversation with investors, Ryan Hill, the studio’s global marketing director, highlighted the company’s steadfast commitment to delivering an outstanding gaming experience.
He emphasized that the primary goal is to craft captivating stories and characters that resonate with core gamers and similar audiences.
This shift in focus comes in the wake of several high-profile titles failing to achieve their expected commercial success, a trend Hill attributes to the inclusion of societal or political themes.
Risks of Political Content
Hill pointed out that while some developers have pursued socially or politically charged content, it appears that a segment of gamers does not embrace this direction.
As a result, many notable releases have struggled financially.
CI Games aims to prioritize player satisfaction and profitability, leading them to decide against embedding contentious issues in future games, mindful of the pitfalls that can arise.
Looking Ahead
Despite these statements, Hill didn’t specify what he meant by “social or political agendas” or elaborate on what constitutes “high risk” in his context.
Furthermore, he refrained from naming specific games that he believed underperformed or detailing what success looks like for CI Games.
When asked for additional clarity on Hill’s comments, the studio opted not to provide further comments.
As it stands, Lords of the Fallen holds a “mixed” rating from users on Steam and has earned a two-star review from Eurogamer.
A sequel is currently in the pipeline, signaling the company’s continued commitment to its gaming vision.
Source: Eurogamer