Amid Bethesda’s budget cuts, Xbox has closed several studios, including those that brought us games like Hi-Fi Rush and Redfall. A small number of roles have been eliminated, while the rest of the development teams are moving to other Microsoft studios.
A whole bunch of Bethesda just closed
According to Jason Schreier on May 7, Xbox will be closing Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog Studios, and Roundhouse Games. Roundhouse Games will reportedly merge with ZeniMax Online Studios.
In the email sent to staff, shared by IGN, head of Xbox Game Studios Matt Booty revealed the details behind the cuts. "These changes are based on prioritizing high-impact titles and continuing to invest in Bethesda's portfolio of blockbuster games and beloved worlds that you have nurtured over many decades," the email reads.
Arkane Austin, the studio behind Redfall, is closing, with some members joining other Bethesda studios. Redfall's servers will remain online and will offer "great deals to players who purchased the Hero DLC." Alpha Dog Studios and Tango Gameworks are also closing. Top-down shooter Mighty Doom is shutting down on August 7, while Hi-Fi Rush will remain available on all of its current platforms. Roundhouse Games is merging with ZeniMax Online Studios to work on The Elder Scrolls Online.
