Redfall's Final Update Highlights Missed Potential
Despite its troubled launch and studio closure, Redfall received a final update aimed at improving the game. Former directors cited industry trends and external factors for the game's struggles. This last patch, however, ultimately underscores the unfulfilled promise of what Redfall could have been.
Coverage across 3 outlets
Redfall Director Pleaded With Microsoft to Release Final Patch, Despite Already Being 'Fired'
Redfall director Harvey Smith revealed he asked Microsoft to allow one final patch for the game, despite having already been dismissed. The plea was made to improve the critically panned Xbox console exclusive, even after his departure from the project.
Redfall Bosses Explain What Happened With The Failed Xbox Exclusive
Former Arkane directors Harvey Smith and Ben Horne, now heading Black Pony Immersive, discussed the challenges and missteps in the development of the Xbox exclusive Redfall. They cited the industry's focus on live-service games and external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and the great resignation as contributing to the game's difficulties and poor reception. Despite the studio closure and layoffs, a small team returned to release a significant update, 1.4, which improved the game.
Revisiting Redfall after its final update reveals the ghost of the game it wanted to be
This article revisits Redfall following its final update, version 1.4, which introduced a 'Community Standing' system and addressed numerous bugs and AI issues. While the update improves the game's engagement with its world and offers some new abilities, it ultimately highlights the potential of what Redfall could have been, rather than salvaging its core issues as a shooter. The author suggests that with continued support for Arkane Austin, the game might have achieved a level of quality that could have spared the studio from closure.
