The launch of Redfall is fast approaching and the build-up to it has been somewhat problematic. Revelations that the game will need to have a constant online connection, even when playing alone, and will include Denuvo DRM have not sat well with those who still plan on taking the vampire game for a spin. Now, there's the fact that some people believe Redfall will be a live service game, resulting in an argument between various groups of gamers over what exactly a live service game even is.
Reddit user QuickResumePodcast decided to begin the discussion on the Redfall subreddit, posting an explanation as to why Redfall definitely is not a live service game. “Do not expect frequent updates, weapon additions and events. This is not a service game,” they write, highlighting the difference between a game that has been promised to receive support and one that is live service that receives regular updates and online events.
Arkane has described Redfall as being its most supported game which, as QuickResumePodcast highlights, appears to be where some of the confusion arises. What that means is it will receive more post-launch DLC than any other Arkane game to have come before it. According to the below post, that record is currently held by Dishonored. With three waves of DLC, Redfall will presumably have at least four if the game proves to be successful enough that Arkane keeps its most supported promise. A very big if at this point in time.
Others are comparing Redfall to Borderlands, something Arkane doesn't seem to like. As the replies argue over whether Redfall is live service or not, some people have split off to have the very same argument about Borderlands 3. As for why some think Redfall is live service, as Aljap says in the replies, Redfall is “open world, always online, co-op, looting and shooting. All hallmarks of a live service game.”
However, they also note there will be no battle pass system which, many would argue, is what really makes a service game live service. Add the fact there won't be frequent updates outside of the presumed DLC and well, it's easy to see why this has turned into a lively discussion. Whatever you think Redfall is going to be, watching how it performs at launch will be pretty interesting. While it has the benefit of being on Game Pass, hitting the market a week after Jedi: Survivor and a week before Tears of the Kingdom is an incredibly bold move by Arkane.