For a while now, Microsoft has greatly bolstered the visibility and success of new games with the help of Xbox Game Pass. Its subscription service gives Xbox fans access to solid games at a reasonable price, which can convince fans to give new games a try when they otherwise might have passed on those games. Redfall is one game in particular that seems like it could thrive on Game Pass. Although Arkane Studios hasn't confirmed a release date for Redfall yet, Microsoft says that Redfall will be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch, giving lots of Xbox users access to the vampire-themed FPS right away.
Arkane is an accomplished developer, but Redfall could still use the help, considering how much competition it's facing this year. Xbox alone has a few important projects on the way. For instance, Bethesda Softworks may be the publisher of Redfall, but it also plans to release Starfield in late 2022 as an Xbox exclusive. Starfield is sure to be a hit on day one in terms of sales thanks to Bethesda's reputation, especially with the help of Xbox Game Pass. However, the structure of Redfall's gameplay could make it particularly well-suited to capitalize on the ease of access that Xbox Game Pass provides.
Redfall Can Thrive on Game Pass
Redfall famously belongs to the recent series of games like Back 4 Blood and The Anacrusis who are trying to revive the style of team shooter that Left 4 Dead popularized. Players will get to choose one of Redfall's four playable characters, each of whom seemingly come equipped with unique abilities related to their backstories. Once players have their characters, they'll jump into vampire hunting action across the city of Redfall. The character-heavy multiplayer FPS design clearly takes a lot of notes from Left 4 Dead, but Redfall's vampire elements go a long way to set the game apart.
Because of its multiplayer structure, Redfall may actually be able to stand up to Starfield, especially as a day one Xbox Game Pass title. Subscription services like Game Pass are a huge boon for multiplayer games, since they give tons of players instant access to the game. Redfall's servers are bound to be filled with day one players with the help of Xbox Game Pass, keeping queue times short and expanding the new IPs fanbase rapidly by encouraging non-subscribers to buy the game and get in on the hype. As long as Redfall's servers can handle a massive up-front influx of players, the game be as successful as Starfield at launch.
Redfall's Time to Shine
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Naturally, the quality of Redfall can't be spoken for yet. If the game's mechanics or storytelling don't live up to expectations, then the game could fall flat. Nevertheless, there's cause for optimism about Redfall's quality, given Arkane's reputation, and it's still uniquely poised to thrive on Xbox Game Pass even more than some other potential Xbox hits. Redfall will reward Game Pass subscribers far more actively through multiplayer than a singleplayer experience like Starfield will. The size of the playerbase generated by Game Pass will help motivate non-subscribers to buy the game too, since there'll be plenty of other fans to play with.
In order to make the most of its day one slot on Game Pass, Arkane ought to start revealing new Redfall details soon. Fans have been waiting for further Redfall information for a long time, but for the moment, a few leaked screenshots and Redfall's cinematic reveal trailer are all that fans really have to go off of. Impressive gameplay trailers and new story details would certainly help convince Xbox owners to play the game at launch. With E3 2022 cancelled, the next Redfall statement's timing is more unclear than ever, but hopefully Microsoft has some plans in mind to bring Arkane's game back to the forefront. Microsoft may have Starfield as a big-ticket game to focus on, but if it discusses Starfield soon, then hopefully it brings Redfall along too.
Redfall releases in summer 2022 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.