Redfall's Creators Explain What Went Wrong with the Failed Xbox Exclusive

The dream of a compelling vampire-hunting RPG on Xbox soured dramatically with the launch of Redfall. Now, key figures from its development are shedding light on the missteps that led to the game's widely acknowledged failure. Harvey Smith, former director, and Ben Horne, former producer at Arkane Austin, have moved on to form a new studio, Black Pony Immersive, focusing on "imaginative first-person action-RPGs." Their recent comments reveal a project that wrestled with industry trends and unforeseen obstacles.

Redfall was conceived during a period of intense focus on live-service games, a genre that Arkane, known for its meticulously crafted single-player experiences like Dishonored and Prey, had not previously explored. "The team had to figure out, 'How do we do this?'" Horne explained. Smith admitted that Arkane "got swept up in the games-as-a-service thing," believing they could integrate its mechanics into their specialized formula. "I had the foolish chutzpah to assume that it always works out for us. We can do this. Let’s take what we love, and mix it with [games-as-a-service]," Smith reflected. The ambition included features like day-night cycles and character classes, aiming for a broader audience. However, development was further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent "great resignation," which disrupted workflows and led to talent changes.

Behind the Vampire's Bite

The critical reception for Redfall was harsh, with many pointing to a formulaic gameplay loop and significant technical issues. The game launched to a disappointing player count and struggled to maintain viewership on platforms like Twitch, a stark contrast to Arkane's previous successes. Xbox head Phil Spencer himself described the launch as a "knockback" for Microsoft and issued an apology. Despite the poor reception, the Arkane Austin team dedicated the following year to patching and improving the game. Even after Microsoft shuttered Arkane Austin and laid off the staff, Smith and a small group pitched Microsoft on releasing a planned 1.4 update, a testament to their commitment to the project they had poured so much into.

The Fallout for Fans

For players who invested in Redfall, the outcome was undoubtedly disheartening. Many fans felt the game failed to live up to the pedigree of Arkane Studios, a developer renowned for its immersive sims and player agency. The promise of a unique, co-op vampire shooter was overshadowed by technical problems and a perceived lack of polish. The subsequent closure of Arkane Austin brought a definitive end to any hope of further significant updates, leaving the game in a state that many felt was never fully realized. This situation highlights the risks inherent in pursuing live-service models, especially for studios with a distinct identity.

What's Next

Smith and Horne's new venture, Black Pony Immersive, signals a return to their core strengths in first-person action-RPGs. While no specific projects have been detailed, their focus suggests a renewed commitment to the kind of deep, engaging experiences their fans have come to expect, hopefully avoiding the pitfalls that plagued Redfall.