Redfall Was In Development For PS5 Before Microsoft Acquisition

Redfall is currently set to release as an Xbox console exclusive. The game will be among the highlights for Xbox in 2023, serving as one of the high-profile first-party releases from the gaming giant.

While Redfall is not coming to the PlayStation 5, this was not always the case. As Creative Director Harvey Smith recently revealed, Arkane was working on a PS5 version.

According to a rough translation, he stated:

“They(Microsoft) came in and said, ‘No PlayStation 5, we’re focusing on Xbox, PC, and Game Pass.”

Arkane Studios’ previous game was also a console exclusive. However, this was limited to the PlayStation 5 for a specific time. Unlike Deathloop, Redfall is unlikely to be released on the other console after a specific time.

A similar scenario may have also happed for Microsoft’s biggest AAA title for 2023, Starfield. Both games were in development before Microsoft acquired Zenimax Media, and it would not have made much sense for Bethesda to miss out on the leading platform.

However, Microsoft’s acquisition also presents benefits to Arkane Studios. For starters, the developer can focus on optimizing the game for Xbox Series S|X consoles and PC. Furthermore, Xbox Game Pass presents a unique opportunity for Redfall, allowing it to reach a much broader audience.

Redfall is set to release on May 2. Despite missing out on PlayStation 5, Creative Director Harvey Smith believes that Redfall has the potential to be Arkane’s most popular release yet, thanks to Xbox Game Pass.