Disappointed by Redfall? So is Xbox head Phil Spencer
Dreadfall
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If you were massively let down by the state ofRedfallat launch, you’re not the only one. In fact, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has also aired his disappointment.
During an interview with Kinda Funny Games, head of Xbox Phil Spencer claimed he was “disappointed” withRedfall’slaunch, its reception, and the wider conversations surrounding theXbox Game Passtitle’s run-up to release.
Spencer cited thelack of a 60fps performance modeonXbox Series X|S as a real turning point inRedfall’sfortunes. However, he was adamant in both Xbox and developer Arkane Studios' commitment to improving the game in the months to come.
Phil Spencer gets honest about Redfall: pic.twitter.com/JUoqTrlLvUMay 4, 2023
“The critical response was not what we wanted,” Spencer said, while reassuring thatRedfallwill be in a more playable state given time.
“We’re gonna continue to work the game,” he added, “We’ve shown a commitment to games likeSea of Thieves, andGrounded, to continue to go and build games. But I also know these games are $70, and I’m gonna take full responsibility for launching a game that needs to be great.” (thanks,GamesRadar).
Things can only get better
I don’t doubt that Phil Spencer’s disappointment inRedfallis genuine. And of course, it’s always easy to appreciate the decision to not abandon poorly received titles post-launch.Redfallabsolutely has the potential to be a great time with friends, but myriad performance issues and unremarkable gameplay means Arkane has an uphill battle on its hands.
Really, though,Redfall’slaunch woes are a tale as old as time, and is yet more evidence of the absolute state of AAA gaming. Time and again, publishers have released big-budget titles to lukewarm, often hostile, reception. More often than not, because the games just aren’t finished.
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Cyberpunk 2077is perhaps the decade’s staunchest example of this. Not quite as broken, but were nonetheless lacking in content, wereSea of ThievesandDestiny 2.Yes, these are all great, content-rich games in 2023, but were all hugely disappointing around launch.
Many more AAA games, still, aren’t even so lucky as to foster a dedicated community over time.Marvel’s Avengerswas recently shelved, as was Platinum Games' dead-on-arrivalBabylon’s Falland the much-hypedAnthem.Part of that is down to the oversaturation of live service games (it’ll be interesting to see howSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice Leaguefares next year).
But that’s not the sole contributor. Some publishers have managed to make the live service model really work. You need only look towardGenshin Impact,Fortniteand the recently launchedHonkai Star Railfor proof that strong gameplay fundamentals and no shortage of polish can lead to thriving audiences that are always hungry for more.
Redfallisn’t a live service game per se, but its emphasis on co-op multiplayer and looter shooter mechanics are key ingredients in keeping players coming back. With the conversation aroundRedfalllargely being around how unpolished the game is, it’ll be a monumental task to win players back on-side.
Rhys is TRG’s Hardware Editor, and has been part of the TechRadar team for more than two years. Particularly passionate about high-quality third-party controllers and headsets, as well as the latest and greatest in fight sticks and VR, Rhys strives to provide easy-to-read, informative coverage on gaming hardware of all kinds. As for the games themselves, Rhys is especially keen on fighting and racing games, as well as soulslikes and RPGs.
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