As it turned out, it hadn’t been Microsoft’s intention to release the game over the weekend. While some users reported that messages from Xbox support said the game would be re-released quickly, Microsoft’s Larry Hryb (aka, Major Nelson) said that this wasn’t the case.
“Microsoft tests all Xbox 360 games with our emulator to ensure a quality experience across a breadth of titles,” Hryb wrote in a post on Reddit. “Due to an error, some of the games currently in test were accidentally made available. We have since removed access to those games, and apologize for any confusion this may have caused. We will have more information on upcoming releases soon.”
There is no word on when — or even if — Red Dead Redemption will be officially available, but there is a small bit of good news for some users. Those who downloaded the game can still play it, at least offline (though saving is an issue).
Attempts to play the game online result in the game trying to download an update that isn’t available, GameSpot reports. Things get trickier when players try to save, as those with the game installed are reporting that game saves aren’t available offline.
Last year, Microsoft said it was in talks with Rockstar Games about bringing its 360 games to the Xbox One via backward compatibility, but that no agreements had been reached. Whether the game being in testing is a sign that the two companies have worked things out isn’t clear, but at the very least it’s a hopeful sign for those looking to revisit New Austin on their Xbox One.
Red Dead Redemption is currently in third place behind Call of Duty: Black Ops II and Skyrim among the most-requested games for backward compatibility.
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