In a shocking turn of events, Microsoft and Bethesda has made a monumental announcement that will reverberate throughout the gaming industry. This seismic shift involves significant studio closures and cuts within the Bethesda family, shaking the foundation of game development as we know it.
Microsoft is literally shutting down 4 studios under Bethesda Softworks.
Redfall Developer Arkane Austin Bids Farewell and Promised Missing Content as a Refund
The closure of Arkane Austin, the talented team behind Redfall, marks a somber moment for both developers and gamers alike. Redfall, an online co-op vampire game, will cease to receive updates, leaving its future hanging in the balance. This situation not triggered just a few a few weeks ago; it accumulated years ago. According to Bloomberg, this misfire occurred when Microsoft paid $7.5 billion for its parent company, Zenimax Media, and then Arkane Studios’s Redfall was blasted by critics and players.
And it’s still not finished. Redfall still owes its players the previously promised content.
It’s been a year since Redfall’s launch, and players are still eagerly awaiting the release of its promised Hero Pass. Currently, they’re being guided to sign up to receive credit, while the specifics are being ironed out.
The Hero Pass was intended to introduce two new heroes alongside the original four protagonists. The latest update we received was in November during the game’s third update, stating, “We’re actively working on The Hero Pass and are thrilled to unveil more about Redfall’s new heroes and other updates later in the coming year.” But since Arkane Austin is shutting down, all the content promised was delivered as a refund.
Arkane Austin’s closure doesn’t make Redfall literally unplayable; players can still play it, the server is still on, but no content will be added to the future like the rest of the dead game.
Farewell Tango Gameworks
Tango Gameworks, known for their innovative titles including Hi-Fi Rush and Evil Within series, faces closure, signaling the end of an era for this creative powerhouse. With Tango Gameworks shutting its doors, fans are left to reminisce about the worlds they explored and the adventures they embarked upon.
In an emotional statement posted to the studio’s X account, Tango Gameworks bid farewell to its dedicated fanbase. Despite the closure, the studio reassures players that Hi-Fi Rush, along with Tango’s previous titles, will remain accessible and playable, preserving the legacy of their creations.
Alpha Dog Studios and its subsidary Mighty Doom Fades Away
Mighty Doom, the brainchild of Alpha Dog Studios, meets an untimely demise as the studio closes its doors. The game will be switched off on 7th August, marking the end of an era for this beloved title.
Roundhouse Games Bid Farewell, some team members joining ZeniMax Online Studios
Back then, Roundhouse Studios was a studio opened by Bethesda Softworks. The developers at Roundhouse Studios represent more than two decades working together on a variety of games to help Bethesda develop many genres, including RPGs, shooters, and action-adventure games. After shutting down, some of Roundhouse Studios’s team members are joining ZeniMax Online Studios.
Behind the Scenes: Matt Booty’s Email
The bombshell news was first revealed through an email from Matt Booty, the head of Xbox game studios, sent to staff members. This internal communication, later reported by IGN, unveiled the strategic reasoning behind the studio closures and cuts.
Booty’s email sheds light on the rationale behind these drastic measures, emphasizing the prioritization of high-impact titles and further investment in Bethesda’s portfolio of blockbuster games. This strategic pivot aims to reinforce the stronghold of Bethesda’s iconic worlds and beloved franchises, cultivated over decades of dedicated craftsmanship.
As the dust settles on Xbox’s announcement of studio closures and cuts under the Bethesda banner, the gaming community finds itself at a crossroads. While the closures may signify the end of certain chapters, they also pave the way for new opportunities and innovations in game development.