Lords of the Fallen: The Impact of Critical Reviews on CI Games’ Shares

CI Games Shares Drop on Critical Reviews of ‘Lords of the Fallen’

Summary

Shares in Polish video game producer CI Games (CIG.WA) have experienced a significant drop, reaching a six-month low, following critical reviews of their latest game, “Lords of the Fallen.” The PC version of the game has received an average rating of 76 out of 100 on the Metacritic scale, based on 47 reviews. The PlayStation 5 version has scored 73 based on 25 reviews. Reviewers have generally praised the game’s execution but have pointed out technical issues that need improvement. Analysts suggest that these negative reviews may impact the game’s sales.

Critical Reviews and Technical Issues

“Lords of the Fallen” falls into the subgenre of action role-playing games known as “soulslike,” which is characterized by high levels of difficulty and an emphasis on environmental storytelling. U.S. video game and entertainment media website IGN described the game as a “great soulslike” and praised its unique concept of swapping between two versions of the world. However, the review also highlighted numerous highly annoying technical issues that hamper the overall experience of the game.

Impact on Sales

Analyst Piotr Bogusz from Erste Group expressed concerns that the relatively low average rating and problems with the release on Xbox may negatively affect the game’s sales. “Lords of the Fallen” currently holds the third position on Steam Global Top Sellers, and its user ratings will be crucial in maintaining this high position. The risk lies in players paying attention to the technical side of the game and potentially being dissuaded from purchasing it. Bogusz estimates that CI Games’ goal of selling 1.4-1.5 million copies with ratings at the current level might be ambitious.

CI Games’ Financial Status

The drop in CI Games’ shares reflects a setback for the company, which had been experiencing success with its popular game series, “Sniper Ghost Warrior.” The series has sold over 13 million copies. Additionally, the first version of “Lords of the Fallen,” released in 2014, sold over three million copies.

Editorial and the Future of ‘Lords of the Fallen’

While critical reviews and technical issues can affect the initial reception and sales of a video game, they do not necessarily determine its long-term success. Many games have seen improvements through patches and updates, thereby addressing the concerns raised by reviewers and players. CI Games should consider leveraging its experience and expertise to address the technical issues highlighted by IGN and other reviewers. By actively listening to player feedback and implementing necessary improvements, the company can improve the overall gaming experience and increase the game’s appeal.

The success of the “Lords of the Fallen” series lies not only in fixing technical issues but also in delivering a captivating and engaging narrative. The subgenre of soulslike games has a dedicated fan base that appreciates challenging gameplay and immersive storytelling. CI Games should focus on refining the game’s core mechanics and ensuring that the unique concept of swapping between two versions of the world is fully realized.

Furthermore, transparent communication with the gaming community is crucial. CI Games should acknowledge the technical issues and provide a roadmap for how they plan to address them. This will help build trust and maintain the interest of potential buyers.

Conclusion

Shares of Polish video game producer CI Games have experienced a significant drop due to critical reviews and technical issues found in their latest game, “Lords of the Fallen.” The company should take the feedback seriously and work to address the technical issues raised by reviewers. By doing so, CI Games can potentially improve the game’s sales and regain the trust of players. The success of the “Lords of the Fallen” series lies in both fixing technical issues and delivering a compelling narrative, appealing to the dedicated fan base of soulslike games.