Japanese media has criticized the gameplay skills of Western game journalists, specifically highlighting a recent IGN preview video for the upcoming cooperative shooter, “Redfall.” The video showcases what users describe as “poor gameplay,” prompting the Japanese website Automaton to question the quality of the content produced by Western game journalists.
Developed by Arkane Studios, Redfall is an open-world FPS with cooperative gameplay, set in a rural American town overrun by vampires. The game is scheduled for release on May 2 and will be available on PC and Xbox Series X|S, with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass subscribers having access as well.
IGN’s exclusive gameplay video, released on April 8, features three-player cooperative gameplay as they battle Rook, a powerful enemy in the game. However, the video has been widely criticized for its poor gameplay, with users pointing out the lack of cooperation between players and the apparent unfamiliarity with the game mechanics.
Automaton’s article also notes that the video doesn’t adequately showcase the game’s features, with the character’s abilities being poorly utilized. Examples include Devinder’s teleportation device, the Translocator, being thrown but not used to teleport, and the Arc Javelin electric attack not being effectively employed.
The criticism extends beyond the gameplay itself, with users questioning the professionalism of game journalists who release exclusive preview content without a proper understanding of the game mechanics. This has led to broader concerns about the role of game media, especially as more primary information becomes available directly from game manufacturers.
While being skilled at a game is not a prerequisite for covering game content, a certain level of understanding and gameplay proficiency is essential to effectively showcase a game’s features, particularly in exclusive preview videos. As Redfall’s release date approaches, it remains to be seen if the criticism will prompt Western game journalists to improve their gameplay skills and content quality.