Arkane Studios, the developers behind the upcoming co-op loot shooter Redfall, recently announced that the game would launch with only “Quality Mode,” which would maximize visuals but only run at 30 FPS on both the Xbox Series S and X. This announcement led to a flood of backlash from gamers and Xbox fans, who called the decision “totally unacceptable” and argued that the game should be delayed until it can launch with a 60 FPS performance option. But can Xbox delay Redfall again?
It’s frustrating that this is happening, given that all previews and marketing for Redfall have been in 60 FPS to date, which now paints an inaccurate picture of how the game will run on consoles at launch. While Bethesda’s Todd Howard previously said that 30 FPS was acceptable for their games, it seems like we’re heading toward a 30 FPS Starfield launch too. However, Redfall seems like a different case. It’s a single map with stylized graphics that at least make it seem like hitting that FPS mark shouldn’t be hard (albeit this is a bit of armchair game dev-ing). Regardless, the end result is a lot of angry people and calls for a delay.
There are probably two main reasons for a delay. The first is the FPS issue, which may call into question overall console performance and what the PC port will look like. The other reason is Redfall’s release date on May 2, sandwiched between Jedi Survivor (April 28) and Zelda’s Tears of the Kingdom on May 12. It feels like another delay (and yes, it was supposed to come out 6-8 months ago already) may be what it needs.
However, a delay may not be possible at this point. With three weeks left until Redfall’s launch, Microsoft is likely already pot-committed, hence the FPS announcement. It’s possible that delaying the game might be the worse move, as then you have a different narrative of how unprepared they are for launch to do a last minute switch like this. Albeit that’s kind of already coming across.
Arkane Studios may not be used to the kind of scrutiny they’re receiving, but this is one of Microsoft’s big releases in the “we bought all these studios so start producing good games” era of Xbox, and they’re essentially going first with a AAA blockbuster. While this FPS issue remains present at launch, hopefully the game itself will turn out well.
The controversy surrounding Redfall’s launch highlights the larger issue of whether gamers should expect 60 FPS as standard. In recent years, game developers have made significant strides in maximizing visuals and delivering high-quality gaming experiences. However, many gamers argue that these advancements should not come at the expense of performance, especially when it comes to fast-paced games like Redfall.
In defense of the decision to launch with Quality Mode, it’s worth noting that more people play games on this mode, which is usually the default setting in most games. Additionally, many “normie” gamers may not care about this FPS controversy. However, for dedicated gamers who are looking for a smooth and immersive gaming experience, 60 FPS is almost essential.
This debate raises the question of what standards gamers should expect from game developers and console manufacturers. With the release of next-generation consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, gamers are expecting more from their games than ever before. This includes not only high-quality graphics and engaging gameplay but also smooth and consistent performance.
At the end of the day, the decision to delay Redfall again ultimately lies with Microsoft and Arkane Studios. While delaying the game may disappoint some fans, it could ultimately be the best move to ensure that Redfall meets gamers’ expectations and delivers the best possible gaming experience.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Redfall’s launch and the FPS debate highlights the growing demand among gamers for high-quality gaming experiences. As game developers and console manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in gaming, it’s important that they do not lose sight of the importance of performance and consistency. Whether Redfall is delayed or not, the game’s success will ultimately depend on whether it can deliver a smooth and immersive gaming experience that meets gamers’ high expectations.
