Former Arkane Studios director Harvey Smith has shared his thoughts on the studio's shutdown by Microsoft last year, calling it a shock after years of acclaimed projects. He discussed the challenges of Redfall's development and launch during a recent podcast appearance. Smith expressed sympathy for newer team members affected by the closure.
Background on Arkane Studios
Arkane Studios, known for immersive sim titles, achieved success with games like Dishonored and Prey before tackling the vampire-themed shooter Redfall. Founded in 2006, the studio joined Microsoft in 2010 and operated across locations in Austin and Lyon. Redfall launched in May 2023 as a live-service game but faced criticism for technical issues and unmet expectations, leading to low sales.
Smith's Reflections
In an interview on the My Perfect Console podcast, Smith, who contributed to Deus Ex in 2000 and joined Arkane in 2008, described the May 2024 closure as unexpected. "It was a shock," he said, noting the studio's track record of innovative titles. He disagreed with the decision, believing in ongoing projects that showed promise.
Smith highlighted the impact on junior staff, for whom Redfall was a significant early experience. "Who I really felt for were the people who were new," he remarked, acknowledging his own resilience from decades in the industry.
Redfall's Challenges and Updates
Development on Redfall spanned years, complicated by the pandemic and the shift toward games-as-a-service models. Smith addressed harsh online feedback, comparing it to criticism faced by other creatives but noting its intensity in gaming. "There's always going to be that vitriol no matter what you do," he observed.
Post-closure, the team delivered update 1.4, which Smith called a major improvement. "If we had launched with that, it might have been a different story," he suggested, allowing the project to align closer to its original vision.
Broader Context
Microsoft Gaming head Phil Spencer issued an apology after Redfall's release, admitting the team fell short. Smith's comments underscore the unpredictability of creative work in the industry, where even established studios face abrupt ends.
