Square Enix has launched a fan survey to gather feedback on Life Is Strange: Double Exposure after the game underperformed both commercially and critically. The publisher hopes to identify the factors behind the lukewarm reception of the latest installment in the Life Is Strange series, with an eye toward shaping the future direction of the franchise.
Released in October 2024, Life Is Strange: Double Exposure marked the return of Max Caulfield, the beloved protagonist from the original 2015 game. However, the sequel failed to recapture the critical acclaim or emotional depth of its predecessors. With a 73 critic score and a notably low 4.2 user score on Metacritic for its PS5 version, the game was met with criticism for its narrative decisions, gameplay mechanics, and overall execution.
The disappointing performance led to layoffs at developer Deck Nine Studios in December 2024, and Square Enix is now taking steps to learn from the experience. The company has distributed a comprehensive 15-minute survey to fans, asking for detailed opinions on aspects such as the narrative, gameplay, and technical quality of Double Exposure. Additionally, the survey probes whether players felt the game was worth purchasing and if their experience has dampened their enthusiasm for future entries.
Square Enix Reflects on Double Exposure’s Reception
The reception to Double Exposure is a stark contrast to the success of Deck Nine’s previous installment, Life Is Strange: True Colors. That game was praised for its heartfelt storytelling and the compelling portrayal of protagonist Alex Chen. In comparison, many fans found the characters and story arcs in Double Exposure less engaging, raising questions about the creative direction of the series.
Despite its struggles, Double Exposure left several narrative threads open, hinting at possible storylines for future entries. Whether Square Enix will continue to build on these plot points remains to be seen, especially as the publisher balances incorporating fan feedback with staying true to the series’ artistic vision.
The feedback from this survey could significantly influence the next chapter of the Life Is Strange saga. While some argue that excessive fan input might compromise creative integrity, others see this as a chance for the series to reconnect with its audience. With the franchise’s reputation at stake, Square Enix appears determined to strike the right balance as it navigates the challenges of rebuilding trust among fans.
For now, the future of Life Is Strange hangs in the balance, and the next steps will reveal whether Square Enix can recapture the magic that made the series a cultural phenomenon.
