Microsoft killed Bethesda and continues to lay off people; Is it the end of Xbox?

2024-05-12 16:53:52

Layoffs and closures in the world of video games continue, again it is Microsoft y Xbox who give the grade by closing 4 of Bethesda’s studios.

These 4 studies of Bethesda affected by the Microsoft and Xbox closures are:

• Roundhouse Games
• Alpha Dog Studios
• Arkane Austin
• Tango Gameworks

Of all these, the most surprising are the names of Arkane AustinRedfall developers, and Tango Gameworkscreators of Hi-Fi Rush.

The first being one of the most ambitious Xbox games, which resulted in failure; and the other one of the most praised games of 2023.

Redfall (BETHESDA)

Why did Microsoft close 4 Bethesda studios?

According to an email sent to staff by Matt Bootyboss Xbox Game Studioshe closing of the 4 studies of Bethesda It is due to a reorganization.

The Xbox executive mentions that in Microsoft changes are being made around Bethesda and ZeniMax studios.

Microsoft wants to prioritize high-impact titles and invest in “successful and beloved games” from Bethesda.

In other words, what they are looking for is to focus their resources on the games and franchises that are making them money, leaving aside works that contribute little in financial terms.

As we already mentioned, Redfall It was a complete failure, and Hi-Fi Rushalthough it had a good reception from the public and critics, apparently it did not deliver the expected numbers.

Prioritizing “high impact titles” would refer to already proven works such as The Elder Scrolls, Fallout (which has had a resurgence thanks to the series) and Starfield.

Hi-Fi Rush (Bethesda)

What will happen to the staff of the Bethesda studios closed by Microsoft?

In the mail of Matt Booty There is also a little mention of the future of all the employees who worked in the studios of Bethesda closed by Microsoft.

Some people will be relocated to other Bethesda studios, in order to support the aforementioned franchises.

In addition to the fact that Microsoft will eliminate roles in editorial and corporate teams from this division of Xbox.

If you know that Tango Gameworks will be the most affected, as it will disappear completely and all its employees would be fired immediately.

It should be mentioned that this was the only Xbox studio in Japan and throughout Asia in general, so they have been left without official representation in that part of the world.

The number of workers affected is not known, but there are rumors of several dozen or even hundreds of workers laid off.

Ghostwire: Tokyo (Bethesda)

With information from IGN

2024-05-12 16:53:52