Redfall, the first-person shooter from Arkane Austin, which released on Xbox Series X/S and PC in May, was highly anticipated until it released. The open world title, published by Bethesda Softworks, was marketed as an exciting battle between vampires and humans. It even made a lot of people excited due to the fact it was bringing both single player and online co-op game modes to the table.
However, when Redfall officially released, players were less than enthusiastic about the product they received. Given the backdrop of a horror filled Massachusetts and a variety of unique powers, Redfall should have been a success, but it was not.
If you were to say the reviews for the game were average, then that would be an understatement. Although several outlets considered the game to be a solid 5/10, many were less generous. Even though it was not developed by Bethesda, the studio had involvement and likely had a hand in many of the processes of development. This certainly put the company in an awkward position, just a few months before releasing Starfield to the world.
Now that the damage has been done, Bethesda is dealing with the aftermath of Redfall criticism. Pete Hines recently did an interview with GamesIndustry.biz and talked about the game. Although many players have cast aside any consideration of returning to the FPS, Hines is hopeful for what comes next.
What Pete Hines Had to Say About the Future of Redfall
In the interview with Hines, he was asked about the critical reception Redfall received. He explained the situation by comparing it to Fallout 76 and saying the following:
“We are always in a process of learning, so that’s not new for us. We don’t like failing to meet our players’ expectations. At the same time, we are the same company that has had launches that didn’t go the way we wanted, and we don’t quit or abandon stuff just because it didn’t start right.
The Elder Scrolls Online’s PC launch was not flawless but we stuck with it. Now it’s like this insanely popular multiplatform. It’s the same with Fallout 76. Redfall is no different for us. Okay, we didn’t get the start we wanted, but it’s still a fun game… and we’re going to keep working on it.
We’re going to do 60fps. We’re going to get it to be a good game because we know, as a first-party studio, Game Pass lives forever. There will be people ten years from now who are going to join Game Pass, and Redfall will be there.”
Bethesda hasn’t given up on Redfall, and the company does not think you should either. It is comforting to know that the studio cares about bringing quality to gamers, and will continue putting in the effort to make Redfall a better title. There is certainly a state of mind for some developers who believe it makes more sense to leave a failed title behind. It is good to know Bethesda is above such a method of operation and will continue to try to make good on its products.
Although there is a significant number of gamers in the community who believe Fallout 76 is lost cause, there is a separate group who believes it has become better. Bethesda made a lot of changes to the title, but seeing it compared to Redfall is not reassuring to many. That said, changes are being made, and fans should not give up hope just yet. Sometimes all a studio needs is a good redemption arc like CD Projekt Red and Cyberpunk: 2077, to turn a title around and win back a fan base.
What do you think of Redfall and the comparison to Fallout 76? Do you believe the game needs major fixing or did it have a rough reception? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
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