Redfall PS5 Version Was Axed After Microsoft’s Acquisition of ZeniMax, Reveals Dev
Creative Director Harvey Smith has now confirmed that a Redfall PS5 version was indeed in development at one point, but was cancelled by Microsoft after its 2021 acquisition of Arkane parent ZeniMax Media. The developer views the change as positive for the development of the game, and feels that it could become Arkane’s “biggest game” due to Xbox Game Pass’ colossal subscriber count.
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In a new interview ahead of the game’s May 2 launch, Arkane Studios Austin Studio Director and Redfall Creative Director Harvey Smith (of Deus Ex and Dishonored fame) revealed that Microsoft directed the studio to cease development on a Redfall PS5 version after its 2021 takeover of ZeniMax Media:
We were acquired by Microsoft and it was a change with capital C. They came in and they said “No PlayStation 5, we’re focusing on Xbox, PC and the [Xbox] Game Pass.” It’s not very serious. It’s even a good decision, I think. [It helps to] support Game Pass and have one less platform to worry about, one less complexity. Game Pass has a ton of players. It could become our biggest game thanks to [Game Pass’] 30 million – I can’t remember the exact number – subscribers.
Though the developer looks at the move as a positive change in retrospect, his statement is almost sure to bolster Sony’s case against the Microsoft-Activision deal in front of regulators. The Japanese gaming giant has claimed that Microsoft chose to keep Redfall and Starfield off PlayStation platforms after it acquired ZeniMax Media, and that it plans to do the same with Activision’s Call of Duty IP regardless of its commitments otherwise.
Redfall creeps out on PC and Xbox Series X|S on May 2, 2023. Check out the story trailer released last week, which introduced fans to the game’s sci-fi-meets-body-horror lore and its cast of terrifying mutant villains.
Source: IGN France
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