Square Enix Seeks Fan Input After Life is Strange: Double Exposure's Underwhelming Reception
Following the less-than-stellar reception of Life is Strange: Double Exposure, Square Enix has launched a survey to gather feedback from its dedicated fanbase. The results of this questionnaire could significantly shape the direction of future installments in the popular series.
Life is Strange: Double Exposure, released in October 2024, marked the return of fan-favorite protagonist Max Caulfield. Despite this, the game received mixed reviews, failing to meet expectations. Its Metacritic scores (73 critic, 4.2 user on PS5) reflect this lukewarm response, largely attributed to controversial story choices. The situation worsened with Deck Nine Studios, the game's developer, announcing layoffs in December 2024.
In an effort to understand the game's shortcomings, Square Enix distributed a 15-minute survey to Life is Strange players. This detailed questionnaire delves into various aspects of Double Exposure, including narrative, gameplay, technical performance, and overall value. Crucially, it also probes players' interest in future games within the franchise.
Analyzing the reasons behind Life is Strange: Double Exposure's underperformance is paramount for Square Enix. The publisher's previous success with Life is Strange: True Colors, lauded for its compelling narrative and emotionally resonant protagonist Alex Chen, serves as a stark contrast.
The future of the Life is Strange franchise remains uncertain. While Double Exposure hinted at potential storylines for future games, Square Enix's community feedback will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping these narratives. The balance between fan expectations and creative vision will be a key consideration moving forward.
