**Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2’s Financial Shortcomings and Future Plans**

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the cult classic RPG, has not performed up to the sales expectations set by its publisher, Paradox Interactive. In a recent announcement, the company revealed plans to write down 355 million Swedish Krona (approximately £28 million or $37 million) in development costs, indicating a significant financial revaluation of the game’s worth.

Paradox CEO Fredrik Wester acknowledged the disappointing sales, stating, “A month after release we can sadly see that sales do not match our projections, which necessitates the write-down. The responsibility lies fully with us as the publisher.” He noted that the game was outside of Paradox’s typical focus areas, which made it challenging to accurately forecast its commercial success. The blame appears to rest more on high expectations rather than the quality of the game itself, as Wester described it as a “strong vampire fantasy” and expressed satisfaction with the development work by The Chinese Room.

Despite the financial challenges, Wester reassured players that the game’s post-release plans remain intact, confirming that promised updates and expansions would still be delivered in the upcoming year. This includes commitments to players who purchased the premium edition, ensuring they will receive the additional content as intended.

The development journey of Bloodlines 2 has not been without its issues. Dan Pinchbeck, a co-founder of The Chinese Room, recently disclosed that from the start of his involvement, he aimed to persuade the publishers to consider a different title for the game. He believed that the project could not live up to the legacy of the original Bloodlines or compete with titans like Skyrim. Instead, he envisioned a game that could offer a unique experience akin to Dishonored. Nevertheless, the decision was made to retain the Bloodlines 2 title, leading to mixed perceptions among players and critics.

In reviews, the consensus has been that Bloodlines 2, while enjoyable, falls short of the remarkable standards set by other titles released in the same period. Critics pointed out that it stands out more for what it lacks than what it achieves, positioning it as a viable but underwhelming entry within a crowded gaming landscape.

As Paradox Interactive looks to the future, they plan to reevaluate their approach to developing games based within the World of Darkness franchise. This introspection suggests a shift in strategy and an acknowledgment of the complexities involved in producing games that attract a broad audience.