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Last night, Arkane Studios’ Harvey Smith confirmed during an interview that a Redfall PS5 version was indeed in development at one point but was cancelled by Microsoft once it acquired ZeniMax Media. This news has called into question Microsoft’s statements in the media about video game exclusivity, and its intentions behind devouring publishing houses.
Does Redfall PS5 cancellation contradict Microsoft’s statements?
Players have pointed out that Xbox boss Phil Spencer repeatedly said that Microsoft’s decision to acquire ZeniMax Media was not done to keep games off of other platforms. “We want more people to be able to play games, not fewer people to be able to go play games,” he told Kotaku in one such interview back in October 2020.
However, Microsoft has been very clear about the fact that exclusivity is part and parcel of the business. When Microsoft’s behavior post ZeniMax acquisition came up during regulatory scrutiny of the Activision Blizzard deal, the company clarified its position on Redfall and Starfield: both games are new with no pre-existing sales or gaming communities on other platforms.
Some argue that this argument falls flat when it comes to The Elder Scrolls 6, considering the franchise’s history and popularity on PlayStation platforms, and that is indeed a valid point.
Whatever side of the argument one is on, Smith’s admission to IGN does come at an odd time and will certainly put Microsoft in an awkward position as it continues to convince regulators to approve the Activision Blizzard deal.