According to reports, the leader of Xbox Game Studios, Matt Booty, circulated an internal memo with unexpected news: Microsoft has opted to shut down various internal Bethesda studios to reallocate resources and refocus on projects.
The affected studios include:
- Arkane Austin — known for Prey and Redfall, not to be confused with Arkane Lyon. Ceasing operations, with some employees transitioning to other Bethesda projects.
- Development of Redfall has been paused, with compensation for players who subscribed to unreleased expansions.
- Tango Gameworks — creators of The Evil Within, GhostWire: Tokyo, and Hi-Fi Rush. Closing down entirely.
- Alpha Dog Games — makers of mobile game Mighty DOOM. Shutting down, with operations of Mighty DOOM ending on August 7.
- Roundhouse Games — merging with ZeniMax Online Studios to support The Elder Scrolls Online.
Matt Booty clarifies that the studio closures are not a reflection of the employees’ creativity or performance. The decision was made to enable “increased investments in other areas of the Microsoft portfolio and prioritize key games.”
The remaining Bethesda entities (Arkane Lyon, Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, MachineGames, ZeniMax Online Studios, and Bethesda publishing) are positioned to develop new franchises, explore innovative gaming concepts, and expand existing series.
Of note is the closure of Tango Gameworks, whose Hi-Fi Rush was a standout title in the Microsoft lineup, earning praise and exceeding expectations.
Tango and Arkane Austin games will remain available for purchase as usual.
Source: stopgame.ru