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It has been a fact for some time now thatXbox Game Passis probably the Xbox platform’s best exclusive.
However, increasingly it is being blamed for inconsistent quality at Microsoft.
Redfall’s 63/100 Metacritic average once again has Xbox’s exclusives output in the spotlight.
One could argue that Xbox has found its footing in some ways.
We’re seeing that play out in real-time with Redfall.
Actually, Xbox wasn’t involved with Redfall …
There’s been some speculation and finger-pointing over the release state of Redfall.
To say Redfall is a step down in quality for Arkane Austin is an understatement.
I’m still gathering evidence on exactly why or how Redfall was allowed to release in this state.
The imminent2023 Xbox Games Showcasehas ditched the “Xbox & Bethesda Showcase” branding from last year, potentially signaling increased levels of integration. Xbox fans will be hoping to learn whatupcoming Xbox gamesare on the horizon.
However, I can’t help but feel that’s incredibly far from the truth.
Redfall doesn’t even vaguely approach the quality bar expected of Arkane, and indeed, Xbox itself.
… but should it have been?
But, like it or not, it’s absolutely true that Redfall flew under Xbox’s radar.
ZeniMax is still operating as a separate entity, for better or worse.
There are only so many physical human hours in the day.
ZeniMax is a huge company in its own right, comprised of 2,300 employees.
Mojang is another example of what Microsoft calls a “limited integration” property.
Mojang essentially operates independently as well, with Microsoft providing support on marketing delivery and things like that.
Microsoft and Mojang have also had some pretty prolific disconnects in communication.
However, theMinecraft Super Duper Graphics Pack never actually materialized, with Mojang later claiming it wasn’t workable.
Why did Microsoft ship Halo Infinite, knowing that it didn’t have a service model in place?
Why did it launch without promised features, like Forge and co-op?
Microsoft has been praised by developers and pundits for maintaining the independence of the studios it acquires.
However, the very same media landscape is now also criticizing Microsoft for not being able to deliver quality.
If the entire business was riding on Redfall, Xbox quite honestly had a far bigger issue.
The question we’re ultimately exploring here is, “Should Microsoft create a stronger pipeline for oversight?”
Or, “Is there a happy medium between oversight, support, and independence?”
And Xbox is hurting right now.
I think the path forward for Microsoft and ZeniMax lies somewhere in the middle between independence and boosted oversight.
Microsoft is also working to market the game, despite the poorly-received product they have to work with.
These are the shoots of integration, but more is needed.
He also expressed a commitment to improving Redfall, as well as a commitment to supporting Arkane Austin.
