CI Games Sparks Controversy by Breaking Free from ‘Mandatory DEI’ Initiatives

Recently, Johan Pilestedt, the CCO of Arrowhead Studios, expressed his concerns about mandating DEI within gaming. He articulated that ‘if it doesn’t enhance the gaming experience, it detracts’, implying that titles with enforced DEI aren’t ‘quality games’.

Now, CI Games, the publisher of Lords of the Fallen, has adopted a comparable viewpoint regarding DEI in gaming. In a recent discussion with investors, the global marketing director of the company, Ryan Hill, adopted a decisive stance, plainly stating that the company will refrain from incorporating ‘any social or political agendas into these experiences’ due to the significant risks involved.

‘Numerous Players Do Not Value This’

In a statement obtained by Strefa Inwestorów during a recent investor call for CI Games, Ryan Hill, who leads the firm’s global marketing efforts, commented:

While certain video games have recently seized the opportunity to incorporate social or political agendas into their gameplay, it is evident that numerous players do not favor this. Consequently, we have witnessed several high-profile releases underperforming commercially over the past year alone.

Our games will always be crafted to maximize player enjoyment and commercial viability, and therefore, we will not be integrating any social or political agendas into these experiences in the future, having noted the considerable risk this may pose.

Similar to Arrowhead’s Johan Pilestedt, Hill acknowledged that ‘shoehorning’ DEI into games to check a box or satisfy an agenda can be more detrimental than beneficial, as observed in recent times. This is one of the reasons many games are described as ‘woke’ and subsequently face review bombs.

In a follow-up message on social media, CI Games’ CEO, Marek Tyminski, reaffirmed that the company will not incorporate DEI components into their games solely to align with a political or social agenda.

Do you believe that implementing forced DEI is a significant issue in gaming, or is it being exaggerated? Share your thoughts with us on the Insider Gaming forum.

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