Arkane Studios, the developer behind the vampire shooter Redfall, has announced its commitment to removing the game’s always-online requirement for single-player mode. This decision came after players raised concerns over the restriction, initially designed to help the developer understand player experiences and improve gameplay.
In a recent interview with Eurogamer, Redfall’s game director, Harvey Smith, addressed these concerns and assured gamers that the team is actively working to make offline single-player possible. Smith explained that the always-online design was implemented for telemetry purposes, allowing the developers to identify areas where players faced difficulty, adjust difficulty levels, and enhance accessibility.
Furthermore, Smith emphasized that Redfall does not contain a store or microtransactions, which might have fueled suspicions that the always-online requirement was included to encourage in-game purchases. Instead, players can discover costumes and other in-game items through exploration, and the game will offer traditional DLC packages purchasable through platforms like Xbox.
In response to critiques, Arkane Studios has taken the necessary steps to address the always-online issue, even though the game is already in its late stages of development. Changes will include encrypting save games and making UI adjustments to support the offline single-player experience. While Smith did not make any promises, the team’s proactive approach to resolving the issue demonstrates their commitment to player satisfaction.
