Lords of the Fallen 2 Faces Backlash Over Revealed Female Armor

CI Games revealed a set of female armor designs for Lords of the Fallen 2 this week that leave the chest, midriff and much of the legs exposed. The studio promoted the designs with the slogan, “You wanted fierce. You wanted beautiful. You wanted provocative.”

Images of the outfits were posted by YouTuber TheBackgroundNPC, who described the sets as “clearly designed by a studio that actually listens to the people playing their games.” The posted gallery shows armor with large uncovered areas on the torso and thighs.

Users on social platforms criticized the visual choices, describing the designs as dated and likening them to imagery used in mobile-game advertising. Critics noted that the exposed areas would offer minimal protection in the medieval-fantasy setting of the series.

CI Games has in recent months communicated a commercial rationale for its creative choices. In a statement last year, Ryan Hill, the studio’s global marketing director, argued that some players do not appreciate the inclusion of social or political themes in games and tied that view to recent commercial underperformance by certain titles. He added that the studio plans to prioritize player enjoyment and commercial success over integrating social or political elements into its games.

Company decisions have affected the first Lords of the Fallen after its 2023 release. Post-launch patches altered character-creation options, replacing a prior “Body Type A or B” choice with a strict “Male” or “Female” toggle.

The earlier title featured outfits described by players as more protective. The newly revealed designs for the sequel represent a visual shift from those earlier outfits and have generated renewed discussion among players, commentators and the studio’s community about character presentation and commercial strategy.