Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Apologizes for Redfall's Rocky Reception

In a candid discussion on today's Kinda Funny Xcast, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer opened up about Redfall's underwhelming reception from critics and players alike. Spencer acknowledged the disappointment and stressed the importance of using this experience to improve future releases.

Supporting Creative Aspirations and Taking Risks

Spencer stated his commitment to supporting development teams' creative aspirations, even if it means taking risks with new game ideas. He argued that developers should not be limited to creating a single type of game, citing examples such as Rare's Sea of Thieves, Obsidian's Grounded, and Tango Gameworks' Hi-Fi Rush.

Redfall's reception, on the other hand, demonstrates that not every risk pays off. "I also need a selection of great games that surprise and delight our fans," Spencer admitted. I apologize for not having met that requirement. It is our responsibility to deliver."

The Difficult Decision to Delay or Release a Game

Spencer was questioned by the Kinda Funny Xcast journalists about the decision-making process behind delaying or releasing a game that may have technical issues. He explained that the most important factor is whether the game fulfilled its creative vision. "If the answer is 'no,' there is no point in delaying," Spencer explained.

Spencer admitted that Microsoft has released games with both high and low ratings, but emphasized the importance of analyzing the process each time a game falls short of expectations. He emphasized that Microsoft is willing to delay games when necessary, citing Starfield and Redfall as examples, but added that sometimes a delay is not the best way to achieve the desired result.

A Commitment to Improvement and Transparency

Spencer's candid conversation demonstrates his commitment to improvement and transparency in the face of Redfall's poor performance. Fans can expect better results from future releases as Microsoft continues to learn from this experience. Meanwhile, Spencer's willingness to embrace creative risks and critics' and players' feedback ensures that the gaming industry will continue to evolve and innovate.