Journalist Jason Schreier from Bloomberg has unveiled fresh insights into the shutdown of Microsoft-owned studios.
Recent reports indicate layoffs within the Xbox gaming division, encompassing ZeniMax and Bethesda. Microsoft has made the tough call to shutter Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, and Alpha Dog Games. Moreover, Roundhouse Games will no longer operate independently but merge with ZeniMax Online Studios.
Insiders shared that employees and executives were caught off guard by these developments. At Arkane Austin, plans were in motion to create a new single-player “immersive sim” following the setback of Redfall, possibly a new Dishonored installment.
Meanwhile, Tango Gameworks staff had proposed ideas for Hi-Fi Rush 2. The rationale behind the studio’s closure remains unclear, despite praise from Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty for their game about Chaya.
According to Schreier, the layoffs are ongoing. Employees at ZeniMax, including testers and producers, are being offered voluntary exits with severance packages. With the recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft‘s gaming division has expanded significantly, leading to a global cost-cutting initiative gaining momentum.
Source from stopgame.ru