For developer Arkane Studios, the firm for about a decade since the initial Dishonored released has emphasized on its single-player roots in storytelling and gameplay. However, the latest Deathloop has illustrated a new direction for the developer incorporating more multiplayer aspects to its experiences.
In one interview, Arkane Lyon pressed that the firm is entirely done with the linear story approach. This opens the door to more open-ended projects and even experiment with multiplayer-focused releases as well. With Redfall on the way to release this May, that is the first step in this new direction for the game studio.
According to the official FAQ for Redfall on the game’s website, there is a caveat to this decision. In that, the game will always require an online connection – even including playing the game by yourself. “A persistent online connection is required for single player and co-op,” one statement reads from the page. Not only that, but a Bethesda.net account is also necessary to play as well it states.
This is certainly not the first time we’ve seen AAA releases do this – especially first-party titles. Atop of the initial complaints towards Gran Turismo 7 with its approach to microtransactions, the same can be said for its single player which also troubles Redfall now. Playing by yourself still required a concurrent internet connection to play. And, this is just annoying. 2021’s Deathloop did not have this problem, but Redfall does.
Bethesda despite the current controversy with Redfall is at an extreme height with its most recent release in January: Hi-Fi Rush. The game was announced at last month’s Xbox+Bethesda Developer_Direct which announced and shadowdropped the title for players to jump right in via Xbox Game Pass after the presentation and has faced instant acclaim from many players. You can read the full report by heading here.
Are you surprised by the decision for Redfall?
Redfall is set to release on May 2, 2023 for Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Source: Arkane Studios
