CI Games CEO Claims “Modern Audience” Is a Myth, Doubles Down on Anti-DEI Stance in Gaming
CI Games CEO Marek Tyminski, the executive behind Lords of the Fallen, has once again sparked controversy in the gaming industry with statements dismissing the concept of a so-called “modern audience.” In a recent post on his personal X account, Tyminski declared, “'Modern audience' is a false myth. Data prove it now. Making games for them is a path to extinction.”
The statement, lacking any cited research or supporting data, follows a pattern of previous remarks Tyminski has made regarding what he sees as harmful political trends in game development. In April, he argued that “video games have gotten way too political”, further stating that his company, CI Games, “won’t be part of it” and that it is “bad for gamers, bad for shareholders, and bad for talent.”
While Tyminski did not provide industry-verified research in his latest post, he may be referring to informal, unscientific polls he has conducted on X, such as one asking users whether they prefer male/female character selection options over gender-neutral terms like "body type A/B".
CI Games’ Direction and DEI Stance
Earlier this year, CI Games officially stated that it would not integrate DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) elements into its future titles, a move that attracted both support and criticism depending on the gaming communities and stakeholders involved. This stance puts CI Games at odds with the broader trend in the industry, where major publishers and studios, including EA, Ubisoft, Microsoft, and Sony, have made efforts to embed more inclusive representation and accessible features in their game design and development pipelines.
Tyminski’s statements come amid ongoing discussions within the games industry around diversity, player representation, and the evolving expectations of gaming audiences. While some executives and creators argue that appealing to a wider demographic leads to richer storytelling and broader market success, others, like Tyminski, express concern that such changes risk alienating core audiences or disrupting traditional gameplay experiences.
CI Games’ latest release, Lords of the Fallen (2023), saw a decent reception among action RPG fans, especially Soulslike enthusiasts, but it faced criticism for technical issues at launch and mixed reviews on narrative cohesion. Whether the studio's more outspoken cultural stance will affect its long-term performance remains to be seen, but it’s clear Tyminski is positioning CI Games in opposition to the more progressive evolution seen in other areas of the industry.
What are your thoughts? Is the idea of a “modern audience” truly a myth—or is the industry simply evolving with its player base? Let us know in the comments.
