Xbox head "disappointed" by Redfall, but commits to improving it

Redfall
(Image credit: Arkane)

Xbox head Phil Spencer has said he's "disappointed" with Redfall's reception.

Redfall launched on PC and Xbox Series X/S as a console exclusive earlier this week, and was met with tepid reception from critics and players alike. Now, Xbox head Phil Spencer has appeared on Kinda Funny Games to talk about Redfall, saying that "there's nothing more difficult for me than disappointing the Xbox community."

"I'm disappointed, I'm upset with myself," Spencer further added. The Xbox head went on to talk about the backlash to the 30FPS announcement as a "punch in the chin," which they "rightfully" deserved for backing down from an original promise of 60FPS gameplay. 

"The critical response was not what we wanted," Spencer continued. "One thing I'm not gonna do is push against creative aspiration," he added, saying he wouldn't use Redfall's disappointing launch as a cue to push back against developers passionately making the games they want to make. 

"We're gonna continue to work the game. We've shown a commitment to games like Sea of Thieves, and Grounded, to continue to go and build games. But I also know these games are $70, and I'm gonna take full responsibility for launching a game that needs to be great," Spencer continued.

Although Redfall was a disappointment for Spencer then, at least players can rest assured that both Xbox and developer Arkane won't abandon the game, and will continue to improve it.

Check out our upcoming Xbox Series X games guide for a look ahead to the future of the new-gen console.

Hirun Cryer

Hirun Cryer is a freelance reporter and writer with Gamesradar+ based out of U.K. After earning a degree in American History specializing in journalism, cinema, literature, and history, he stepped into the games writing world, with a focus on shooters, indie games, and RPGs, and has since been the recipient of the MCV 30 Under 30 award for 2021. In his spare time he freelances with other outlets around the industry, practices Japanese, and enjoys contemporary manga and anime.