Xbox fans, brace yourselves! Another hot title, Absolum, has launched, and it’s conspicuously absent from the Microsoft ecosystem. But fear not, inquisitive gamers, because we’re diving deep into the developers’ explanations for this platform snub. Prepare for a rollercoaster of development priorities, team size limitations, and a glimmer of hope for a future Xbox release.
As reported, the developers behind Absolum have explained why the game skipped Xbox at launch. Despite having released titles on Xbox before, the team addressed the absence directly in its official Discord server.
Absolum is currently performing strongly on Steam and has been received well, sitting at an impressive 86 on Metacritic from 34 reviews. With the game launching on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch, many Xbox fans have been left wondering why Microsoft’s platform was left out this time.
Let’s take a closer look at what the developers had to say, and why Xbox wasn’t a priority for this otherwise highly praised release.
What Exactly is Absolum?
Absolum is a roguelite beat ’em up that blends classic side-scrolling brawler combat with modern progression systems. It takes inspiration from the likes of Streets of Rage while introducing its own fresh twists and roguelite structure.
Roguelite games, a subgenre of roguelike games, are characterized by procedural generation, permadeath (meaning that when the player character dies, they must start a new game), and a focus on character progression and meta-progression. While permadeath might seem punishing, roguelites often offer persistent upgrades or unlocks that carry over between playthroughs, allowing players to become stronger and progress further with each attempt. Games like Hades, Dead Cells, and Rogue Legacy are prime examples of the genre’s popularity and innovative gameplay mechanics.
The beat ’em up genre, also known as brawlers, is a classic staple of gaming history, dating back to the arcade era with titles like Double Dragon and Final Fight. These games typically involve players controlling a character who must traverse levels filled with enemies, using melee combat to defeat them. The genre is known for its side-scrolling perspective, simple controls, and emphasis on cooperative gameplay.
Developed by Dotemu, the studio behind Streets of Rage 4 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, Absolum was created in collaboration with Guard Crush Games and Supamonks Studio — the same teams that helped bring those titles to life on Xbox. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is also listed under Dotemu’s publishing banner, as noted. Dotemu is a French video game company known for specializing in retro game revivals, often collaborating with original developers to create faithful and modern sequels or remasters of classic titles. Their involvement in Absolum brings a wealth of experience in the beat ’em up genre, ensuring a high level of quality and attention to detail.
The game launched on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, quickly breaking into the Top 15 sellers on Steam. Critics have praised it for its tight, satisfying combat and strong presentation. Metacritic, a website that aggregates reviews from various sources, gives Absolum an impressive score, indicating generally favorable reviews from critics. This positive reception highlights the game’s appeal and quality.
What stood out most, though, is that Absolum supports two-player co-op, both locally and online — something that many wish more games in the genre would offer. As a long-time fan of titles like Castle Crashers, this is exactly the kind of feature that keeps players coming back to a good beat ‘em up, as many enjoy them more with friends. Cooperative gameplay enhances the experience by allowing players to team up and tackle challenges together. The ability to play both locally (on the same screen) and online provides flexibility for players to connect with friends regardless of their location.
Why Xbox Wasn’t a Priority This Time
In Absolum’s official Discord server, the community manager, Pixel Perfect, spoke about the game’s Xbox release—or rather, the lack of one.
Comments made as recently as confirm that an Xbox version isn’t currently being considered. The same community manager added:
While that’s disappointing news for Xbox fans, those using the ROG Ally can still play the game through Steam if they’re happy to buy it there. The ROG Ally, a handheld gaming device similar to the Nintendo Switch, allows players to access their Steam library on the go.
The primary reason cited for the Xbox absence is the studio’s limited resources and the need to prioritize platforms. Smaller development teams often face constraints in terms of manpower and budget, making it necessary to focus on platforms that offer the greatest potential return on investment. This decision-making process often involves analyzing market share, development costs, and the potential audience reach for each platform.
Could an Xbox Version Still Happen?
The door is likely never fully closed. Absolum has performed well across platforms, and while Xbox isn’t a priority right now, success elsewhere could give the team the resources it needs to make an Xbox version happen. As a small development team, that kind of growth could make all the difference. The gaming industry is known for its dynamic nature, and plans can change based on various factors, including sales performance, community feedback, and the availability of resources.
It’s clear that an incredible amount of work went into creating Absolum. A recent interview with PC Gamer highlights the challenges behind its design, with Maxime Mary, the game’s art director, explaining the importance of visual clarity:
Mary also revealed that every element in Absolum was painstakingly hand-drawn:
That level of thoughtfulness shows how much care went into the game. The dedication to hand-drawn art is a significant undertaking, requiring a team of skilled artists and a considerable amount of time. This approach can result in a visually stunning and unique game, but it also adds to the development costs and timeline.
While Xbox fans miss out for now, the studio’s passion and attention to detail are evident. Hopefully, the game’s success on other platforms will give the team a reason to consider an Xbox release in the future — and if that happens, let’s hope it arrives as an Xbox Play Anywhere title so we can switch between console and handheld seamlessly. Xbox Play Anywhere is a Microsoft program that allows players to purchase a digital game once and play it on both their Xbox console and Windows PC, with progress and achievements synced across both platforms. This feature would be particularly appealing to players who enjoy gaming on both their console and PC, providing a seamless and convenient experience.
Key Takeaways from Developers:
* Prioritize Platforms: Focus on platforms where you can maximize impact with limited resources. This involves assessing market share, development costs, and potential audience reach for each platform.
* Listen to the Community: Engage with fans and gauge interest in different platforms. Community feedback can provide valuable insights into the demand for a game on a particular platform.
* Stay Agile: Be ready to adapt your plans based on the game’s success and available resources. The gaming industry is constantly evolving, and developers need to be flexible and responsive to changes in the market.
What’s Next? Keep Brawling!
While Xbox fans may have to wait, there’s still hope for Absolum to grace the platform in the future. In the meantime, check out other fantastic beat ’em ups available on Xbox, or explore Absolum on the platforms where it’s currently available. And keep those fingers crossed for an eventual Xbox Play Anywhere release!
