Source: Bethesda Softworks
The Starfield and Redfall delay has pushed back Bethesda’s first two Xbox console-exclusive titles since they were purchased by Microsoft. This decision left a void in the Xbox 2022 lineup and disappointed many fans. It’s also the latest example of the gaming industry promising a release date, but failing to deliver.
Of course, games are delayed for a variety of factors. Developers, artists, and those working on titles have all gone to incredible lengths over many years to release a new game. But the reality is that games often get delayed, so we’d like to know if Microsoft should take a different approach.
In this week’s poll, we’d like to know how you think Microsoft should announce upcoming games.
Microsoft and other game publishers have taken various approaches to advertising games. Some titles, such as those in the Forza series, are usually announced when they’re nearing completion and don’t release until a few months later. This is a more conservative approach that results in almost no headline delays, but does not build hype or allow a company to place an item on a public roadmap.
Other titles, such as the Fable reboot and Perfect Dark, have been announced without a specific release date. This approach allows people to get excited about the game without tying a company to a release window.
Companies probably won’t want to emulate the launch of Halo Infinite, even if the game itself is highly rated. Microsoft announced the game in 2018, announced a release window a year later, then delayed the game until 2021. Even after release, Halo Infinite does not support multiplayer campaign co-op and Forge, between other key features.
Does the company have to set firm dates? Should it announce games without any promise? Should the Xbox team wait to announce games just before launch? Let us know in this week’s poll and explain your reasoning in the comments below.
