Xbox Stunned the Industry: Four Bethesda Studios Shut Down, Fans Left Reeling

Infornex Admin May 7, 2024

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Microsoft Xbox Division

In a move that sent shockwaves through the gaming community, Microsoft’s Xbox division announced the sudden closure of four studios previously acquired under the historic 2021 Bethesda buyout. These studios, once bastions of creativity and critical acclaim, now face an uncertain future:

Arkane Austin: The studio behind the recently released open-world shooter “Redfall,” which received mixed reviews, and the upcoming “Zenith.”
Tango Gameworks: Creators of the beloved “The Evil Within” series and the surprise hit of 2024, “Hi-Fi Rush.”
Alpha Dog Studios: Developed the mobile game “Mighty Doom.”
Roundhouse Studios: Successor to Human Head Studios, known for the “Bioshock Infinite” DLC “Burial at Sea.”

A Mixed Bag of Outcomes: Fate of Studios and Games Uncertain

The announcement paints a concerning picture for the affected studios and their projects. Here’s a breakdown of the reported outcomes:

Arkane Austin: Some developers may be reassigned within Bethesda, while the studio itself will be shut down. The fate of “Zenith” remains unclear.
Tango Gameworks: The studio’s fate is shrouded in mystery. Will the critically acclaimed “The Evil Within” franchise see a sequel?
Alpha Dog Studios: The mobile game developer will be entirely closed. “Mighty Doom” will reportedly be shut down on August 7th, 2024.
Roundhouse Studios: The entire team will be absorbed into Zenimax Online Studios, offering some hope for continued employment. However, the impact on future projects for “The Elder Scrolls Online” is yet to be seen.

Fans Left Disgruntled: A Wave of Disappointment

The news has sparked outrage and disappointment among fans. The closure of studios responsible for critically-acclaimed titles like “The Evil Within” and the recent success of “Hi-Fi Rush” is a significant loss for the gaming landscape. Many fans expressed their frustration on social media, with comments like:

“Can’t believe they’re shutting down Tango Gameworks after Hi-Fi Rush! It was such a breath of fresh air.”
“Redfall may not have been perfect, but Arkane Austin had so much potential. This is a huge loss for the industry.”
“What does this mean for The Evil Within? This feels like a betrayal to fans who loved the games.”

A Ripple Effect: Industry Implications of the Closures

The industry is now left to grapple with the long-term effects of these closures. Key questions remain:

Will existing franchises like “The Evil Within” be shelved?
How will this impact Xbox’s creative direction for Bethesda titles?
Will these closures lead to further consolidation within the gaming industry?

Unanswered Questions and a Uncertain Future

This situation is far from over. The gaming community awaits further details and official statements from Microsoft and Bethesda. The future of the affected developers, the fate of ongoing projects, and the broader implications for Xbox and the industry remain to be seen.

Stay Tuned for Updates

Here at Gameverse, we’ll be keeping a close eye on this developing story. We’ll continue to provide updates as they become available and analyze the ongoing conversation within the gaming community. Additionally, we’ll be delving deeper into the legacies of the affected studios and the impact their closure will have on specific franchises.