Microsoft axes four game studios including Hi-Fi Rush developer

Microsoft has announced the closure of four game studios, including Tango Gameworks, the developers of the Bafta award-winning Hi-Fi Rush. The other studios being shut down are the Tokyo studio, Texas-based Arkane Austin, and Canadian developer Alpha Dog Studios. Additionally, Wisconsin-based Roundhouse Games will be integrated into Elder Scrolls Online developer ZeniMax Online Studios. These closures are taking place at subsidiary Bethesda, which was acquired by Microsoft for $7. 5bn in 2020. The company has not revealed the exact number of job cuts resulting from these closures. Matt Booty, Head of Xbox Games Studios, communicated the news to staff via email, stating that development on Arkane Austin game Redfall will be halted, with some team members transitioning to other studios. Microsoft also plans to compensate players who pre-ordered downloadable content for the game. Furthermore, there will be a small number of roles cut across Bethesda's publishing and corporate teams. The closure of Tango Gameworks signifies the end of the studio responsible for popular games like The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo. The announcement has sparked criticism from gamers and industry professionals, with some expressing disappointment and concern about the impact on the entertainment industry.