When I first laid eyes on Redfall, an FPS game set in a vampire-infested island town with a captivating nu-goth aesthetic, I was filled with excitement. However, my enthusiasm quickly turned to disappointment when the game launched and faced negative reviews.
But despite the critical reception, Matt Booty, the head of Xbox Game Studios, reveals that Redfall is finding success on the company’s Game Pass subscription service.
Mixed Reception: The Numbers Speak
Currently, Redfall holds a score of 53 on Metacritic for PC, accompanied by user reviews that paint a rather grim picture with an average rating of 2.1. On Steam, the game’s score remains in the “mostly negative” territory, based on both older and recent reviews.
In an interview with Axios Gaming, Booty acknowledges that Redfall missed the mark, but questions the extent of its failure. He mentions that despite the negative feedback, the game is garnering “good play” on Xbox Game Pass. Booty emphasizes the commitment to supporting Arkane, the game’s developer, in their ongoing efforts to deliver the game they envisioned.
Furthermore, Booty takes accountability for the game’s shortcomings and expresses his belief that Arkane Austin, the studio behind Redfall, will continue its operations despite concerns that the game’s negative reception would have a detrimental impact.
A Promise of Improvement
While our own Redfall review aligned with the general wave of negative press, my heart went out to Arkane. After attending a Redfall gameplay preview, I returned home eager to play the game with my friends as a squad. Unfortunately, due to the reviews, that aspiration remained unfulfilled.
Redfall boasted tremendous promise, and thankfully, it still does. The developers at Arkane remain committed to refining the game, pushing updates, and implementing hotfixes.
With their dedication, there is hope for Redfall to flourish and for players like me to once again experience the thrilling adventures of Layla and her companions.
As Redfall perseveres, finding redemption and a supportive community on Xbox Game Pass, the future looks brighter. Arkane’s determination to improve the game assures players that they are dedicated to delivering the best possible experience. So, let’s eagerly anticipate the journey ahead and the potential triumph of Redfall’s revitalization.
