Microsoft has shuttered three Bethesda studios — Arkane Austin, Alpha Dog Studios, and Tango Gameworks — in order to focus on “high-impact titles” and to double down on the blockbuster game franchises we all know.
In a lengthy email inked by Xbox Game Studios head, Matt Booty, shared by IGN, it outlined changes to the Bethesda branded studios and the closures. Unfortunately, with Arakne Austin’s death, it sounds like the Bite Back Edition owners will never receive those new heroes that were promised, though unspecified “make-good” offers will be available for those waiting for the DLC characters. Meanwhile, August 7 will be the last day players can get Alpha Dog’s Mighty Doom before it goes the way of the wind. Finally, it seems Tango got off lighter comparatively, as fans can still play and buy Hi-Fi Rush and seemingly its other games without worry.
Arkane Austin – This studio will close with some members of the team joining other studios to work on projects across Bethesda. Arkane Austin has a history of making impactful and innovative games and it is a pedigree that everyone should be proud of. Redfall’s previous update will be its last as we end all development on the game. The game and its servers will remain online for players to enjoy and we will provide make-good offers to players who purchased the Hero DLC.
Alpha Dog Studios – This studio will also close. We appreciate the team’s creativity in bringing Doom to new players. Mighty Doom will be sunset on August 7 and we will be turning off the ability for players to make any purchases in the game.
Tango Gameworks – Tango Gameworks will also close. We are thankful for their contributions to Bethesda and players around the world. Hi-Fi Rush will continue to be available to players on the platforms it is today.
Additionally, Roundhouse Games will be absorbed into ZeniMax Online Studios as a key player in The Elder Scrolls Online. Of course, it’s sad to see Austin’s situation as the studio never really hit its stride and rather than mixing the studio and passing Redfall to Arkane’s wider branch, it seems like it’s gonna get lost in the fray. It will remain playable, but considering its server dependency, we’ll see for how long.
Tango’s closure is also a little shocking considering it just released the PS5 version of Hi-Fi Rush, one of its most acclaimed titles and one that proved shadow-drops can be viable. While layoffs are expected, it’s kinda shocking to see three studios shutter in the same day.
UPCOMING PRINT MAGAZINE!