Microsoft is closing several studios, including Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks and Redfall creator Arkane Austin
Microsoft is closing four Bethesda Softworks studios, including HiFi rush developer Tango Gameworks and Redfall Team Arkane Austin.
In an email to the staff obtained by IGNMatt Booty, head of Xbox Game Studios, explained that this decision was “based on prioritizing high-impact titles and further investing in Bethesda’s portfolio of blockbuster games and beloved worlds.” He described the move as part of a “reprioritization of titles and resources” that will result in “a few teams being realigned with others” and an unspecified number of employees losing their jobs.
The email also explains the full scope of the changes. In addition to the closure of Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin, support studio Roundhouse Studios (which Booty apparently incorrectly calls “Roundhouse Games”) will be merged into The Elder Scrolls Online developer ZeniMax Online Studios. Alpha Dog Games (which Booty appears to incorrectly refer to as “Alpha Dog Studios”), the developer of the mobile title Mighty fate, will also be closed. This is in addition to the elimination of “a small number of positions” in the company’s publishing arm.
The news comes along with the announcement that development will continue Redfall has been discontinued and that players who purchased the premium ‘Bite Back Edition’ of the game will be eligible for “the value of the upgrade” as compensation. This was described in detail in a recent post to the official Redfall
While the number of employees affected has yet to be fully revealed, we hope that all those affected by these studio closures can get back on their feet. Neither Microsoft nor Bethesda have responded to a request for comment from Ny Breaking at this time.
Analysis: What’s going on?
I’m really struggling to understand the reasoning behind this move, especially in regards to the closure of Tango Gameworks. The studio’s most recent title, HiFi rush, was a critical success factor that seemed to resonate well with the players. I awarded the PlayStation 5 version of the game four out of five stars in our category HiFi rush review, highlighting its incredibly unique rhythm-based combat system and stunning art direction.
Initially a console exclusive, the game is now available on multiple platforms, but remains a real standout in the Xbox catalog and certainly broadens the appeal of a game subscription service like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The studio’s older titles, such as Ghostwire: Tokyo And The evil within 2 may not have made much of an impact when they launched, but still stand out with high-quality experiences that paint a picture of a team packed with potential.
The closure of Arkane Austin might make a little more sense, given the overwhelmingly negative critical reception of the recent multiplayer vampire first-person shooter (FPS). Redfall, although it still seems like an incredibly short-sighted decision. The studio’s previous project, the science fiction horror game Preyis something of a hidden gem and shows the team’s capacity for serious innovation.
I’m concerned about the overall trajectory of the Xbox brand and the leadership culture at Microsoft. It seems like those in charge really don’t understand the value of these types of niche titles.