Redfall, a new Xbox exclusive from developer Arkane Studios, was highly anticipated by fans ahead of its release. However, upon launch, the game received criticism for its technical issues and lackluster gameplay. Now, reports have emerged detailing the troubled development process behind the game, including the fact that developers at Arkane Studios reportedly hoped that Microsoft would cancel the project.
According to a report from Thurrott.com, sources within the studio revealed that development of Redfall was fraught with problems from the beginning. The game’s design was reportedly constantly changing and the team struggled to find a cohesive vision for the project. This resulted in various features and mechanics being added and removed throughout development, leading to a lack of direction and a poorly-executed final product.
Furthermore, the studio’s management was allegedly not providing enough oversight or guidance, leaving the development team without a clear direction or plan. This reportedly led to a lack of communication and a sense of chaos among the staff, making it difficult to make progress on the game.
The report also claims that the game’s technical issues were not addressed until well into development, with the game reportedly crashing frequently and requiring significant optimization work. This reportedly led to the game being delayed several times, further adding to the team’s frustration and stress.
One particularly damning revelation from the report is that some Arkane Studios developers allegedly hoped that Microsoft would cancel the project, believing that it was beyond repair. This suggests a lack of confidence in the product and a sense of defeat among the development team.
Redfall’s troubled development process reportedly caught the attention of Microsoft executives, who were reportedly hesitant to intervene in the project. According to sources, Microsoft took a hands-off approach to the game’s development, leaving Arkane Studios largely to its own devices.
This lack of oversight and intervention may have contributed to the game’s lackluster launch and poor critical reception. Redfall currently holds a score of 58 on Metacritic, indicating mixed to negative reviews from critics.
Despite the negative press surrounding Redfall, it remains to be seen whether Arkane Studios and Microsoft will continue to work together on future projects. The developer has a strong track record, having previously worked on critically-acclaimed titles such as Dishonored and Prey. However, the troubled development process behind Redfall may make Microsoft hesitant to entrust the studio with future projects.
In conclusion, the development of Redfall was a troubled and chaotic experience, with poor communication, lack of oversight, and constantly changing design leading to a lackluster final product. While Arkane Studios has a strong track record and may continue to work with Microsoft on future projects, the studio will need to address the issues that plagued Redfall’s development if it hopes to regain fans’ trust and deliver quality games in the future.
