Xbox Is Closing Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, And Two Other Bethesda Studios

Xbox is closing down four Bethesda studios, including Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks.

The decision was based on a “reprioritisation of titles and resources”, according to a memo sent to staff by Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty. Some staff will be realigned to other teams, while others will be laid off.

Arkane Austin, responsible for Redfall, will be closing, with some team members joining other studios. Tango Gameworks, known for The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo, will also be closing. Alpha Dog, the studio behind Mighty Doom, will be shutting down too. Finally, Roundhouse Games will be closing down and the team will be joining ZeniMax Online Studios. Booty emphasized that these changes are not a reflection of the talent of the teams affected.

Microsoft had previously announced layoffs across Activision Blizzard, Bethesda, and Xbox, but it is unclear if these studio closures are part of those layoffs or a new set of cuts.

BREAKING: Xbox is shutting down four game studios🚀

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

Thoughts?😱
Source: Jason Schreier / Bloomberg #Gaming #Microsoft pic.twitter.com/9gaHX5kq6z

— Rino🚀 (@RinoTheBouncer) May 7, 2024