The upcoming release of *No Rest for the Wicked*, an action RPG crafted by Moon Studio, is stirring discussions regarding the Xbox Series S. Set to debut on Steam Early Access in 2024, the game has drawn attention for its delayed launch on Xbox platforms.
During a recent presentation, it was confirmed that the title will be available on PS5 this October, marking its formal 1.0 release. However, Xbox gamers will need to wait for an exact release date. The delay has been attributed to the technical limitations of the Xbox Series S. In a Discord exchange, it was stated, “The Series S is making it challenging. We’re committed to delivering a fully optimized experience once the game is ready.”
In a humorous exchange, when a user speculated about a potential mobile version of the game after the Xbox and Switch releases, it was noted, “The specs of the Series S and many mobile devices are surprisingly similar.” This points to ongoing issues within the gaming industry regarding how certain console specifications can affect game development timelines.
This isn’t the first time Xbox users have encountered delays. For instance, *Black Myth: Wukong* also experienced a year-long postponement, suggested to be linked to optimization challenges on the Xbox platform. Despite claims of being unaware of such hindrances, the developer indicated that the limitations of the Series S’s shared memory might have contributed to the delay.
Similarly, *Baldur’s Gate 3* faced significant obstacles in developing for the Series S, leading to a staggered release across platforms. The game landed on PC in August 2023, on PS5 in September, and on Xbox in December. The team even enlisted engineers to aid in resolving co-op issues for the Xbox version, highlighting the intricacies involved in console development.
This prompts larger conversations about the viability of the Xbox Series S in the current console generation. Microsoft requires all games developed for the Xbox Series X to also be compatible with the Series S while maintaining feature parity. This has, at times, caused delays in releases, raising questions about Microsoft’s future console strategies.
For now, fans of *No Rest for the Wicked* will see its PS5 release in October, while the Xbox launch remains yet to be confirmed.