In a recent statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Michel Koch, co-creator of the acclaimed Life is Strange series and creative director at Don’t Nod, has urged fans to approach the ongoing discourse surrounding the latest installment, Life is Strange: Double Exposure, with a sense of civility. His comments come in light of the backlash directed at Deck Nine, the studio responsible for developing the new game.
Addressing Fan Concerns
Koch expressed his concerns regarding the negative sentiments expressed by some fans towards the developers at Deck Nine. He noted, “Since the release of [Life is Strange: Double Exposure], I’ve seen a lot of tension and hateful messages against Deck Nine devs.” Despite not having played the game himself, Koch emphasized that no amount of disappointment justifies hostility towards those who create art. “What I know is that nothing justifies hating on people for how they wrote their game!” he stated.
The Life is Strange subreddit has been a focal point for this controversy, as fans grapple with how Double Exposure continues the narrative established in the original 2015 game. The first installment followed the intertwined lives of Max Caulfield and Chloe Price as they navigated a series of mysterious events linked to a supernatural storm. Their evolving friendship, which hinted at a romantic relationship, was a cornerstone of the story, culminating in a choice that either led to Chloe’s tragic demise or a budding romance between the two characters.
In Double Exposure, Max returns as the central character, while Chloe’s absence raises questions among players. The game allows players to select which ending they wish to consider “canon,” suggesting that if Chloe survived, she and Max may have parted ways off-screen. This narrative choice, while reflective of the complexities of teenage relationships, has left some fans feeling disheartened, particularly given the significance of their love story in the gaming landscape.
Koch acknowledged the mixed feelings surrounding this development, stating, “You can be disappointed, you can want other narratives for those characters you love, or different stories. Ultimately, creation is hard and very subjective, and if Double Exposure’s story does not please you, it does not erase what you imagined.” He also shared his own reflections on the creative process, admitting that he might not recognize his characters in the new game but accepting that this is part of the evolution of storytelling.
Despite the criticisms, the reception of Double Exposure on Steam has been largely positive, with 81% of players rating it as “Very Positive” from a pool of 765 reviews at the time of writing. This suggests that while some fans may be vocal in their dissent, a significant portion of the community is embracing the new direction of the beloved franchise.
Life is Strange co-creator says ‘nothing justifies’ the vitriol the series’ current devs are getting while allowing that ‘we would not have written things the same way’
In a recent statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Michel Koch, co-creator of the acclaimed Life is Strange series and creative director at Don’t Nod, has urged fans to approach the ongoing discourse surrounding the latest installment, Life is Strange: Double Exposure, with a sense of civility. His comments come in light of the backlash directed at Deck Nine, the studio responsible for developing the new game.
Addressing Fan Concerns
Koch expressed his concerns regarding the negative sentiments expressed by some fans towards the developers at Deck Nine. He noted, “Since the release of [Life is Strange: Double Exposure], I’ve seen a lot of tension and hateful messages against Deck Nine devs.” Despite not having played the game himself, Koch emphasized that no amount of disappointment justifies hostility towards those who create art. “What I know is that nothing justifies hating on people for how they wrote their game!” he stated.
The Life is Strange subreddit has been a focal point for this controversy, as fans grapple with how Double Exposure continues the narrative established in the original 2015 game. The first installment followed the intertwined lives of Max Caulfield and Chloe Price as they navigated a series of mysterious events linked to a supernatural storm. Their evolving friendship, which hinted at a romantic relationship, was a cornerstone of the story, culminating in a choice that either led to Chloe’s tragic demise or a budding romance between the two characters.
In Double Exposure, Max returns as the central character, while Chloe’s absence raises questions among players. The game allows players to select which ending they wish to consider “canon,” suggesting that if Chloe survived, she and Max may have parted ways off-screen. This narrative choice, while reflective of the complexities of teenage relationships, has left some fans feeling disheartened, particularly given the significance of their love story in the gaming landscape.
Koch acknowledged the mixed feelings surrounding this development, stating, “You can be disappointed, you can want other narratives for those characters you love, or different stories. Ultimately, creation is hard and very subjective, and if Double Exposure’s story does not please you, it does not erase what you imagined.” He also shared his own reflections on the creative process, admitting that he might not recognize his characters in the new game but accepting that this is part of the evolution of storytelling.
Despite the criticisms, the reception of Double Exposure on Steam has been largely positive, with 81% of players rating it as “Very Positive” from a pool of 765 reviews at the time of writing. This suggests that while some fans may be vocal in their dissent, a significant portion of the community is embracing the new direction of the beloved franchise.