Alright, get ready for some news that’s going to shake up the gaming world like a toddler with a sugar rush in a bounce house. Microsoft’s Xbox has decided to shut down not one, not two, not three, but FOUR studios under its Bethesda Softworks umbrella. Arkane Austin, Alpha Dog Studios, Tango Gameworks, and Roundhouse Games have all been given the boot. Or should I say, the joystick.
Xbox Game Studios chief Matt Booty dropped the bomb in a memo to staff, basically saying, “Sorry folks, but we need to make room for our high-impact titles and invest more in Bethesda’s lineup of hit games. So, ciao for now!” Some employees from the axed studios will be shuffling over to other Microsoft game studios like musical chairs at a game developers’ conference.
In case you didn’t know, Microsoft snagged Bethesda’s parent company ZeniMax Media in 2021. It was all hunky-dory until now when they decided to shake things up like a snow globe at a 5-year-old’s birthday party. These changes are happening hot on the heels of Microsoft snatching up Activision Blizzard and some general industry layoffs. It’s like they’re playing a game of Monopoly but instead of properties, it’s studios.
But fear not, Bethesda fans! Booty reassured everyone that Bethesda is still a big deal for Xbox with a boatload of awesome games in the pipeline. We’re talking ‘Starfield Shattered Space,’ ‘Fallout 76 Skyline Valley,’ ‘Indiana Jones and The Great Circle,’ and ‘The Elder Scrolls Online’s Golden Road,’ all coming in 2024. It’s like a gaming buffet that’s sure to leave you stuffed with excitement.
In his email to staff, Booty spilled the tea on the changes in store. Arkane Austin is getting the axe, but some team members will be sprinkled into other projects within Bethesda. Alpha Dog Studios is getting the boot too, with ‘Mighty Doom’ facing the chopping block. Tango Gameworks is also getting the boot, but ‘Hi-Fi Rush’ will continue to rock on for players. And last but not least, Roundhouse Games is joining ZeniMax Online Studios to add some extra pizzazz to ‘The Elder Scrolls Online.’
As with any shakeup, there’s bound to be some casualties. A few roles in select Bethesda teams will be bid adieu, but they’ll be taken care of with severance benefits. It’s like when your favorite character gets killed off in a TV show—you gotta say goodbye, but you’ll always remember the good times.
So, while it may sting a bit to see some studios closing their doors, remember that this is all in the name of progress and making room for some epic new games. Bethesda fans, keep your controllers charged and your snacks at the ready. The best is yet to come in the wild world of gaming. And remember, it’s not goodbye—it’s just pressing pause until the next level begins.
