CI Games, established in 2002, has made a notable return to the gaming scene with the successful release of Lords of the Fallen. The studio faced scrutiny recently during an investor meeting, particularly regarding its stance on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in gaming. While the marketing director emphasized a commitment to quality gameplay over political agendas, responses from both him and the CEO sparked debate among DEI advocates. The studio aims to enhance its offerings while addressing recent sales challenges.
CI Games: A Journey of Resilience and Resurrection
Established in 2002, CI Games has become a recognizable name in the gaming industry, yet it took considerable time for the studio to gain prominence. Known primarily for its shooting and stealth franchise, Sniper: Ghost Warrior, and the publication of Lords of the Fallen—a game that received lukewarm reviews—the Polish studio made a significant comeback in 2023. The new title, also named Lords of the Fallen, represents a marked improvement as an Action-RPG, albeit it still doesn’t quite reach the heights of FromSoftware’s acclaimed titles. Developed by HexWorks, an internal studio, this new installment sold a remarkable one million copies within just ten days, paving the way for a sequel.
DEI in Gaming: A Controversial Discussion
This week, CI Games has been in the spotlight not due to the anticipated Lords of the Fallen 2, but rather because of a noteworthy discussion with investors. During this meeting, investors sought reassurance regarding various upcoming projects, including Project III (the sequel to Lords of the Fallen), Project SGW Evolved (the next installment in the Sniper: Ghost Warrior series), and Project H (an Action-RPG from Underdog Studio). However, an unexpected question arose: “What is your stance on DEI in video games?”
DEI, which stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, aims to enhance representation in video games by including characters from diverse backgrounds and ensuring fair recruitment practices within the industry. Despite its noble intentions, a vocal segment of the gaming community perceives DEI as an external influence that could politicize gaming content. Critics have pointed to recent releases, such as Concord and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, which featured inclusive casts but fell short in gameplay quality. In contrast, titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 have thrived, showcasing that inclusivity can coexist with excellent gameplay.
In response to the investor’s question, Ryan Hill, the marketing director at CI Games, left much to interpretation regarding his mention of “social or political agendas.” While he initially reassured that the focus would be on crafting well-made games for a wide audience, his subsequent comments stirred some discontent, particularly among advocates for DEI. The CEO of CI Games, Marek Tyminski, echoed this sentiment on social media, reinforcing Hill’s stance with a firm “No, we will not.” He emphasized a commitment to player enjoyment and entertainment, steering clear of political undertones in future productions.
Furthermore, while addressing the commercial performance of high-profile releases, Hill acknowledged the initial success of Lords of the Fallen but noted a decline in sales thereafter. Citing competitors like Lies of P and Stellar Blade that have outperformed in sales, he indicated the need for CI Games to create truly exceptional gaming experiences that resonate with a broad audience. As anticipation builds for Lords of the Fallen 2, players can currently purchase the first installment at competitive prices on platforms like Amazon, Cdiscount, Fnac, and Gamesplanet starting at €24.99.