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Harvey Smith Reflects on Redfall: Why Arkane Was Never Meant for Games-as-a-Service
Former Arkane creative director Harvey Smith admits that the studio was never suited for the games-as-a-service model, shedding light on the troubled development of Redfall.
The Hard Lesson of Redfall and Games-as-a-Service
In a candid reflection on one of the most controversial releases in recent years, former Arkane creative director Harvey Smith has admitted that the studio never should have been working on a games-as-a-service title. Known for mastering the immersive sim genre, Arkane Austin found itself in a difficult position when tasked with developing Redfall, a vampire-themed open-world multiplayer shooter that ultimately strayed far from the studio’s traditional strengths.
The Decline of Arkane Austin and the Tragic Fallout
The reception of Redfall was undeniably harsh, culminating in the closure of Arkane Austin by Microsoft just a year after launch. This move led to the loss of nearly 100 jobs, marking a somber chapter for a team once considered industry royalty. Despite the cancellation of development, a dedicated group of developers lobbied Microsoft to return and complete the 1.4 update, ensuring the game received a final, more polished send-off.
Key takeaways from the project’s troubled lifecycle include:
- The Mismatch: Arkane’s creative DNA is built on deep, single-player immersive sims, not the live-service infrastructure required for a title like Redfall.
- Development Strain: The team faced immense pressure to pivot their design philosophy, leading to a product that failed to resonate with their core audience.
- The Final Update: The 1.4 patch stands as a testament to the developers’ commitment, offering a more stable experience that some players have found genuine value in.
Reflecting on Narrative and the Console Wars
Beyond the technical and structural failures, Harvey Smith points out that Redfall was deeply affected by the external pressures of the console wars. When Microsoft acquired Bethesda, a planned PS5 version was scrapped, turning the game into a lightning rod for criticism. Despite this, Smith emphasizes that there were still moments of artistic heart within the game, particularly in the work of co-director Ricardo Bare, who used the game’s narrative to explore themes of love and community.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Black Pony Immersive
With the dust settled, the architects of Redfall are moving forward. Harvey Smith, now the CEO of Black Pony Immersive, is shifting his focus back to the type of development he loves most. By learning from the systemic failures of Redfall, the team hopes to apply these hard-earned lessons to future projects, leaving the troubled experiment of live-service development in the rearview mirror.
The goal now is to return to the creative roots that defined Arkane’s legacy, prioritizing the kind of deep, immersive experiences that players truly associate with our best work.
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