The gaming industry can be a cut-throat business sometimes. While developers enjoy making amazing games, they always have greedy executives make ruthless decisions – such is the case with four Xbox studios being shut down. Microsoft’s Xbox Game Studios has announced the closure of four Bethesda studios, which means the developer behind Redfall, Arkane Austin closed, and Hi-Fi Rush studio, Tango Gameworks closed as well.
This decision has reignited discussions about the fairness and unpredictability of the gaming industry, where success doesn’t always guarantee longevity.
Gaming Community Upset Over Xbox Studios Being Shut Down
The decision, communicated to staff via a memo from Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty, cites a “reprioritization of titles and resources” as the primary reason for the closures. This development comes amid speculation about Microsoft’s restructuring efforts and its focus on high-impact titles within the Bethesda portfolio.
With Arkane Austin closed, Tango Gameworks closed, Alpha Dog closed, and Roundhouse Games also shut down, employees from these studios will be realigned to other teams within Xbox Game Studios, and others may face the prospect of layoffs.
Deathloop Director Furious After Arkane Austin Closed
The closure of Arkane Austin, in particular, has drawn criticism from within the industry. Dinga Bakaba, creative director of Deathloop and Blade, expressed disappointment, calling the news “a gut stab” and urging Microsoft executives to prioritize the well-being of employees and creative endeavors.
Arkane Austin’s Redfall will no longer receive updates as Microsoft ends all development on the project. Players who purchased the Hero DLC will receive “make-good offers,” although details about these offers remain unclear.
What About Hi-Fi Rush Studio – Tango Gameworks?
Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog, and Roundhouse Games will also be affected by the closures. While Hi-Fi Rush will continue to be available on current platforms, Mighty Doom is set to close down on August 7.
The closure of Tango Gameworks, despite the success of their game Hi-Fi Rush, serves as a poignant example of the gaming industry’s unpredictability. Hi-Fi Rush garnered acclaim from players and critics alike, establishing Tango Gameworks as a talented studio capable of creating innovative and engaging experiences. However, despite the game’s popularity, Tango Gameworks struggled to generate enough money, ultimately leading to its closure by Microsoft executives.
The decision to shut down these studios raises questions about Microsoft’s long-term strategy and its commitment to fostering creativity in the gaming industry. It comes amidst a broader restructuring within the company, with layoffs affecting nearly 1,900 staff across Activision Blizzard, Bethesda, and Xbox.
This situation highlights the harsh realities faced by many game developers, where even critical and commercial success may not be enough to secure the future of a studio. The gaming industry’s reliance on financial performance and market trends often leaves talented developers vulnerable to the whims of larger corporations and shifting priorities.
