Answer to the Apricot Flower Prize Quiz in Where Winds Meet

### The Shutdown of Arkane Austin: Insights from Harvey Smith

In May 2024, Arkane Austin, a studio famous for its critically celebrated games like *Prey* and *Dishonored*, was closed by Microsoft as part of a strategy to prioritize “high-impact” games. This shutdown represents a pivotal event in the gaming industry, particularly for those at the studio, overseen by Harvey Smith, a veteran noted for his contributions to the genre-defining *Deus Ex* and *Dishonored*. In a recent episode of the podcast *My Perfect Console*, Smith openly discussed the ramifications of this closure, reflecting on both his long career and the experiences of his team.

The podcast episode, which lasts two hours, opens with Smith reminiscing about the night before the studio’s closure. He received a call notifying him of the upcoming shutdown and spent the evening in distress, worried about the junior developers at Arkane Austin, many of whom had minimal industry experience and had only engaged in one or two projects prior to joining the studio to contribute to *Redfall*. This uncertainty highlighted the significant impact such closures can have on emerging talent in the gaming field.

Smith conveyed his surprise regarding the decision, considering that Arkane Austin had delivered highly esteemed titles. He remarked, “Every company makes the decisions they make for the reason they make them… This studio made *Dishonored*, alongside the Lyon studio, and then they produced *Prey*.” The context of the gaming industry’s shift towards games-as-a-service models significantly influenced the development of *Redfall* and ultimately its reception.

Recognizing his position as the studio director, Smith accepted responsibility for some of the difficulties that *Redfall* encountered, while also acknowledging his fortunate standing within the industry. Having experienced various highs and lows over his thirty-year career, Smith contrasts his resilience with the situations faced by Arkane Austin’s new developers. He commented on the scarcity of long careers in gaming today, implying that his journey equipped him with a unique viewpoint that newer developers might not yet have.

Smith remarked, “I’m that rare person who has no complaints, but that’s a little bit of survivorship bias because things have worked out for me.” This reflection emphasizes the significance of experience in grasping industry challenges and personal development. The narrative that layoffs are simply a “bump in the road” resonates differently in today’s gaming landscape, where mass layoffs have reached unprecedented levels, impacting even the most successful firms.

The closure of Arkane Austin serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability inherent in the creative industry. While *Redfall* did not meet the expected success as a live-service title, the shutting down of a studio celebrated for its creativity and innovation indicates a wider trend within the gaming sector. The pressure to adapt to swiftly changing market demands can result in the dissolution of studios with rich histories.

In summary, the insights shared by Harvey Smith shed light on the personal and professional impact that such industry decisions impose on creators and their teams. The gaming landscape is in constant flux, along with the challenges of sustaining stable careers amid economic instability. Smith’s reflections offer a glimpse into both the history of game development and the present state of the industry, underscoring the necessity for supportive structures for emerging talent while honoring the enduring influence of seasoned veterans.

Larian’s new Divinity game is a turn-based CRPG that both builds on their achievements from Baldur’s Gate 3, and follows on from the events of Divinity: Original Sin 2. So sayeth Swen Vincke, studio CEO, in an interview with RPS following the project’s bloody and bawdy announcement trailer at the Game Awards last week.

Concrete specifics remain few as of writing, but I can tell you that this is perhaps more reboot than sequel. It’s an attempt to firm up and clarify Divinity’s narrative universe, both for returning Braccus Rex devotees and for Baldur’s Gate 3 players who’ve yet to try Larian’s non-D&D games. It’s also going to allow for more “freedom” than any Larian game before, thanks partly to running on a new version of Larian’s in-house engine tech. Ah, the eternal videogame promise of more freedom. I’m mostly just here for the piggies.

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**Five Nights at Freddy’s 2: An Analysis of the Critical Reception**

The eagerly awaited follow-up, *Five Nights at Freddy’s 2*, premiered in theaters but has not received the positive feedback its makers might have anticipated. After a tepid response to the first film, the 2023 release, the subsequent chapter seems to have further let down critics. It currently sits at a grim 12% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, ranking among the lowest-rated films of 2025.

**Overview of the Franchise**

*Five Nights at Freddy’s* is a live-action take on the acclaimed horror video game series that showcases terrifying animatronics alongside a plot filled with perplexing lore. Although the original movie did well at the box office, it was met with critique regarding its execution, ending with a 33% rating on the same review aggregation platform. Its sequel, however, appears to have performed even more poorly, with critics pointing out various problems.

**Critical Feedback**

Critics have expressed their dissatisfaction with *Five Nights at Freddy’s 2*. Here’s a summary of their views:

– **Dionar Hidalgo from Algo Más Que Cine** characterizes the film as “awkward, overloaded, and oddly lifeless,” suggesting it lacks authentic frights and depends on unclear lore.
– **Nick Schager of The Daily Beast** frankly asserts that the film’s “primary objective seems to be boring its viewers to death.”
– **Allison Rose from FlickDirect** notes that the movie caters chiefly to dedicated fans, implying others might find it “a cobbled-together sequel with minimal scares and even fewer surprises.”
– **Tyler Taing of Discussing Film** criticizes the sequel as one of Blumhouse’s poorest efforts, branding it a “mercenary cash grab” that disrespects its audience.

The general consensus indicates that the film seems tailored for younger audiences already obsessed with the franchise, filled with multiple Easter eggs and lore nods that might not appeal to a wider viewer base.

**Projected Box Office Results**

In spite of the unfavorable critical feedback, there is an anticipation that *Five Nights at Freddy’s 2* will achieve good commercial success, akin to its predecessor. The younger teen demographic, already captivated by the franchise, is expected to contribute significantly to box office revenues, despite the overall audience sentiment leaning towards avoidance.

**Relative Ratings**

When compared to other movies released in the same year, *Five Nights at Freddy’s 2* is notable for its lackluster performance. It currently holds a lower Rotten Tomatoes score than several other critically derided films, including the 2025 *Star Trek* installment, the Jack Black-led *Minecraft* movie, and Disney’s *Snow White* remake. The only film it marginally surpasses is the heavily criticized *Borderlands*, directed by Eli Roth, which has a 10% rating.

**Final Thoughts**

*Five Nights at Freddy’s 2* seems to be a regrettable entry into the horror genre, criticized for its absence of coherent storytelling and true scares. While it may engage its dedicated fanbase, it is likely to alienate those looking for a quality viewing experience. Viewers are encouraged to lower their expectations, particularly those not well-versed in the franchise’s intricate lore.