In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft announced the closure of Hi-Fi Rush studio Tango and Prey’s Arkane Austin as part of a widespread cost-cutting initiative. This decision has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, leaving many to wonder about the future of these beloved studios. According to sources familiar with the company’s plans, Xbox is offering voluntary severance to producers, quality assurance testers, and other staff at ZeniMax, indicating that more cuts may be on the horizon.
During a recent meeting with ZeniMax staff, Xbox president Matt Booty expressed concerns about the company’s studios being spread too thin. He likened the situation to spreading “peanut butter on bread,” suggesting that leaders across the division had been feeling understaffed. The decision to close Tango, Arkane Austin, Mighty Dog, and Roundhouse was driven by a desire to free up resources and streamline operations. Head of ZeniMax, Jill Braff, admitted that the company was struggling to support multiple studios around the world with a lean central team.
The closures came at a particularly challenging time for Arkane Austin, which was in the midst of developing new content for the popular live service Redfall. Additionally, the studio was exploring the possibility of creating a new immersive sim, potentially a follow-up to the critically acclaimed Dishonored series. Tango, known for its hit game Hi-Fi Rush, had been praised as one of the most successful launches for Bethesda and Xbox in recent years.
The acquisitions of ZeniMax and Activision Blizzard by Microsoft raised eyebrows in the industry, with the former costing $7.5 billion. However, the recent cost-cutting measures suggest that Xbox may not be seeing the desired growth from its Game Pass subscription service. Analysts point out that Game Pass spending peaked between late 2019 and early 2021 but has since plateaued. This has led Xbox to reevaluate its approach to game development and publishing.
The stagnant growth of Game Pass has forced Xbox to reconsider its strategy when it comes to supporting smaller, creatively risky games. While the subscription model allows for more experimental releases, the lack of significant growth has made the company more cautious. Sales expectations and profitability now play a larger role in determining which projects get greenlit, leaving little room for innovation.
The recent incident involving Phil Spencer’s Fallout 76 camp serves as a metaphor for the challenges facing Xbox. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the pressure is mounting on Microsoft to deliver compelling content and experiences to its players. The fallout from the studio closures may have a lasting impact on the direction of Xbox Game Studios and the industry as a whole.
The closure of Arkane Austin and Tango, along with the broader cost-cutting measures at ZeniMax, signal a shift in priorities for Xbox. As the company navigates the challenges of an increasingly competitive market, it must find a balance between profitability and creativity. The fallout from these decisions will undoubtedly shape the future of game development at Microsoft and beyond.
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