Harvey Smith on the Politics of Redfall and How Its Undead Were Born from Real-Life Bloodsuckers

Redfall, the upcoming open-world first-person shooter from Arkane Austin, promises to be a thrilling adventure with a unique take on the vampire mythos. But it's not just about killing bloodsuckers - there's a deeper political subtext at play as well. In this article, we delve into the mind of Harvey Smith, the game's co-creative director, to learn more about the politics of Redfall and how its undead were born from real-life bloodsuckers.

According to Smith, the game's story is set on an isolated island off the coast of Massachusetts, where a group of survivors must band together to fight off an army of vampires who have taken over the island. But the vampires aren't just mindless beasts - they have their own society, their own culture, and their own motivations. This complex portrayal of the undead is what sets Redfall apart from other vampire-themed games and media.

Smith also explained that the political subtext of Redfall comes from real-life issues that he and the development team feel passionately about. The game's story touches on themes of corporate greed, environmentalism, and social justice. For example, the vampires in Redfall are the result of a failed experiment by a corporation that was trying to create a cure for climate change. This corporate greed led to unintended consequences and the unleashing of a deadly virus that turned people into vampires.

But Redfall isn't just a game about politics - it's also a game about fun. Smith promised that the game will have a wide range of weapons, gadgets, and abilities for players to experiment with, as well as multiple characters with unique skills and personalities. And while the vampires may be the primary threat, there will also be other enemies and challenges to overcome on the island.

In terms of gameplay, Redfall will feature both single-player and co-op modes, allowing players to experience the story and the world of the game in different ways. Smith also hinted that the game will have a dynamic system for the vampires' behavior, making them unpredictable and keeping players on their toes.

Overall, Redfall looks to be an ambitious and exciting game that combines action, storytelling, and politics in a unique way. With a talented team of developers and a passion for the subject matter, Harvey Smith and the Arkane Austin team are poised to deliver a memorable experience for gamers.