Redfall Director Pleaded With Microsoft to Release Final Patch, Despite Already Being 'Fired'

Legendary game designer Harvey Smith pleaded with Microsoft to let his team release a final patch for the poorly received Xbox console exclusive Redfall, even though he had been fired. Redfall launched to negative reviews in 2023 and marked the end of Arkane Austin's projects, which had previously worked on Prey, Dishonored, and its sequel.

Smith, a lead game designer on Deus Ex and creative director of Dishonored and Dishonored 2, was laid off in May 2024 as Arkane Austin was shut down. However, the studio had been working on a patch, version 1.4, which addressed numerous player issues and bugs. Smith revealed that he had to negotiate with Microsoft to return to the office to ensure the patch's release.

Despite being fired, six or seven team members signed forms to return and release version 1.4. Smith believed that if the patch had been available on day one, the game could have been better received. Redfall was a departure from Arkane's immersive sim games, reflecting the industry's push towards live-service elements. The team's experience with Redfall led them to explore new mechanics and character classes, but the COVID pandemic complicated their plans.

Arkane Lyon, currently working on Marvel's Blade, is also in the process of being sold as part of the Xbox reset. Smith has since founded a new development studio, Black Pony Immersive, focusing on the immersive sim genre.