Arkane Studios released version 1.4 of the zombie shooter Redfall on May 30, 2024, marking a rare post-closure software update. This patch matters because it delivers the final major fix for a game that launched to significant criticism and technical issues. Players who abandoned the title due to bugs now have access to the intended experience, even if the original development team is gone. The update addresses thousands of problems that plagued the initial release, offering a chance for redemption for a flawed product.
Laid-off developers return to fix thousands of bugs in final update
The update comes from an unusual source: a small group of former Arkane Austin employees who were laid off when Microsoft closed the studio in early May 2024. Leads Harvey Smith and Ben Horne, along with Ricardo Bare, were among those let go. Despite the studio closure, Microsoft allowed six or seven of these former staff members to return to the building to finish the work. This arrangement enabled the team to complete version 1.4 without the full studio infrastructure.
Version 1.4 introduces a fully offline mode, allowing players to run the game without an internet connection. The patch also includes fixes for thousands of bugs that were present in earlier versions. These changes target the core stability and functionality issues that defined the game's troubled launch. The update represents the culmination of a year of work by the original team to address the game's shortcomings.
Harvey Smith described the process as a unique career achievement, noting that Microsoft did not refuse their request to release the patch after they were fired. Ben Horne echoed this sentiment, calling the release an achievement unlocked after being fired and seeing the studio close. The former leads have since founded a new studio called Black Pony Immersive. This release stands as a final act of responsibility from the original creators toward their work and its players.
Source: VideoGameChronicles
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