CI Games has officially terminated its PC exclusivity agreement with Epic Games Publishing for the upcoming title, Lords of the Fallen 2. This move, formalized through a separation agreement, frees the developer from prior obligations, potentially paving the way for the dark fantasy action-RPG's release on Steam and other digital storefronts from its launch. While console versions remain unaffected, the termination allows for "full open distribution rights" on PC.
The termination agreement itself went into effect on April 14, 2026, though its public disclosure was delayed, citing the potential prejudice to the company's "legitimate interests." This contractual disentanglement follows an earlier agreement from June 14, 2024, which granted Epic Games exclusive worldwide distribution rights on PC. The exact reasons for the termination and its specific implications on the game's development timeline and funding are not yet fully elucidated, beyond a general reference to "challenging market conditions" in 2023 and 2024.
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The decision to end the exclusivity deal was announced publicly on May 18, 2026. CI Games previously entered into this arrangement, which ensured the game would be an Epic Games Store exclusive on PC. The company has indicated that it will continue its technical collaboration with Epic, including the use of Unreal Engine, Epic Online Services, and Epic Account Services.
Shifting Sands of Distribution
Prior to this development, Lords of the Fallen 2 was slated for an unspecified launch in 2026. The shift away from Epic exclusivity opens the door for broader availability on PC platforms. The company has also confirmed that PLAION will continue as the global physical distribution partner.
The first game in the rebooted series, Lords of the Fallen (2023), achieved over 2.5 million copies sold worldwide, breaking even on an approximately $80 million budget. This financial backdrop is relevant as CI Games had previously stated that Epic Games' "significant investment" helped the studio "maintain full creative control over the game and its IP." The CEO, Marek Tyminski, had earlier expressed a view that a majority of PC players would buy an exclusive game on Epic if it were available there.
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The termination of the exclusivity deal has been met with discussion, with player sentiment in some corners expressing discontent with platform exclusivity models. CI Games' capital strategy has also been noted, with some analyses suggesting a focus on long-term financial health.
Background: A Series Reimagined
Lords of the Fallen 2 represents the third installment in the series, acknowledging a reboot of the franchise. The game's development has been a subject of various announcements and gameplay reveals since last summer. The precise release date remains unconfirmed, though it is expected sometime in 2026. The console versions of the game are unaffected by this PC distribution shift.
