In a surprising move, Microsoft confirmed on Tuesday the closure of three of its ZeniMax subsidiaries: Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, and Alpha Dog Studios. The decision has drawn strong reactions from the gaming community worldwide.
Matt Booty, president of Microsoft’s Game Content and Studios, communicated the decision to employees via an internal email. While some staff members will transition to other teams under ZeniMax’s umbrella, the majority are facing layoffs.
The shutdown has led to the immediate halt of development on Arkane Austin’s video game Redfall. Customers who purchased the game’s $100 Bite Back edition will be eligible for partial refunds, as they will not receive the promised downloadable content. The last update for the game was released in November 2023. Despite the cessation of development, Arkane Studios announced on X that “Redfall’s servers will remain online for players to enjoy.”
The closures mark a significant shift in Microsoft’s gaming strategy, affecting not only employees but also gamers and investors. The company’s decision underscores the rapidly changing landscape of the video game industry.
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Microsoft shuts down Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog Studios
cgtn.com
