It's been a rough few weeks for Xbox. Between the CMA blocking Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision/Blizzard/King in the UK and the critically panned release of Xbox's first $70, current-gen only, AAA exclusive – Redfall – optimism surrounding the platform has taken a significant blow. These recent negative developments have entirely overshadowed the Developer_Direct and the team's commendably positive start to 2023.
While it's clear Microsoft is battling to regain players' confidence and correct the messaging mistakes of the past with upcoming events like the Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct in June, the limited output from Xbox first-party in 2022 unquestionably amplified the pressure and expectations facing the high-profile release of Redfall. Unfortunately, famed developer Arkane Studios' horror-themed open-world looter shooter fell markedly short of many fans' hopes.
