Increasingly, though, I think Microsoft and ZeniMax both need to realize that they are now linked, and the actions of one reflects on the other. Microsoft has been eager to maintain a level of independence at the studios it has acquired, to help maintain those studio's cultures and expectations. Microsoft purchased ZeniMax a couple of years ago, earning itself franchises like Fallout, DOOM, and The Elder Scrolls in the process. However, I have been told by multiple sources that Xbox was entirely hands-off with the project, and that the game doesn't fall under Xbox Game Studios' director Matt Booty's responsibilities - because rightly or wrongly, right now, Arkane is not an Xbox Game Studio by internal definition. Redfall doesn't even vaguely approach the quality bar expected of Arkane, and indeed, Xbox itself. However, I can't help but feel that's incredibly far from the truth. Studio Director Harvey Smith is responsible for titles like Deus Ex and Dishonored, and previously described Redfall as having 'immersive sim' elements, akin to their previous games. It's not just the fact that it's buggy, it's just a hollow game compared to titles Arkane has previously been known for. I'm still gathering evidence on exactly why or how Redfall was allowed to release in this state.

After playing Redfall, I immediately had to go and install 2017's Prey to check that I wasn't going crazy, and demonstrably, Redfall feels like it was made by a completely different studio - an utterly inferior studio.

To say Redfall is a step down in quality for Arkane Austin is an understatement. I noted in my Redfall review that the best compliment I could perhaps give the game is that I don't hate it, which isn't exactly a shining endorsement. There's been some speculation and finger-pointing over the release state of Redfall. Redfall's 63/100 Metacritic average once again has Xbox's exclusives output in the spotlight.

Redfall zenimax lawsuit