Tango Gameworks, the renowned game development studio behind the hit game Hi-Fi Rush, was reportedly in the midst of pitching a sequel before its unexpected closure. According to a recent report by Bloomberg, the studio had plans to expand its team in order to bring the sequel to life. However, the closure of the studio halted these plans.
The report sheds light on the closures of both Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin, the developer behind Redfall. Xbox leadership believed that the overall studio system was “spread too thin,” which led to the decision to shut down these two studios. Xbox’s president, Matt Booty, likened the situation to spreading “peanut butter on bread.”
IGN was the first to break the news of the studio closures, revealing that Arkane Austin had been working on DLC for Redfall before the closure. The closure of both studios came as a shock to the gaming industry, as Hi-Fi Rush had been hailed as a “breakout hit” by Xbox and had garnered a significant fan base.
Tango Gameworks had expressed interest in creating a sequel for Hi-Fi Rush, despite the departure of its founder, Shinji Mikami, in 2023. The studio was actively seeking to hire additional staff to work on the project. Arkane Austin, on the other hand, had plans to return to its roots with a new single-player immersive sim game, following its success with Prey.
However, it is important to note that both projects were still in the pitching phase and were considered to be years away from development. Unfortunately, the closure of the studios resulted in the termination of these projects.
The closure of Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin is part of Xbox’s ongoing efforts to consolidate and focus on fewer projects. Xbox’s studios head, Jill Braff, acknowledged the challenges of supporting numerous studios around the world with a lean central team. The closures were seen as a necessary step to avoid toppling over due to the increasing workload.
Microsoft’s Xbox has been implementing significant cost-cutting measures throughout the year, including substantial workforce reductions at Activision Blizzard in January. These cutbacks have generated shock and anger within the gaming industry, which has already witnessed several layoffs in recent years.
The future for Xbox remains uncertain as Game Pass slows and Xbox sales drop, according to The Verge. The highly-anticipated release of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II has received minimal marketing, and Xbox is reportedly considering raising the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate once more. There are also discussions surrounding the inclusion of Call of Duty on the service.
These studio closures have led to a challenging situation for developers, with many struggling to pick up the pieces. The closure of Arkane Austin, in particular, has received significant tribute from former employees, highlighting the strong bonds formed within the studio.
In conclusion, the closure of Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin has sent shockwaves throughout the gaming industry. The decision to shut down these studios reflects Xbox’s efforts to consolidate and focus on fewer projects. The future of Xbox remains uncertain, as the company faces challenges such as slowing Game Pass growth and declining Xbox sales. However, it is crucial to remember the talented individuals affected by these closures and to support them in their future endeavors.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is essential for studios to find ways to balance the workload and ensure the sustainability of their projects. Consolidation and streamlining may be necessary, but it is crucial to prioritize the well-being and creativity of the teams involved. By doing so, studios can continue to deliver groundbreaking games that captivate audiences and push the boundaries of the gaming medium.