In a surprising move, Microsoft has announced the closure of three ZeniMax teams: Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, and Alpha Dog Studios. The decision, confirmed on Tuesday, has sent shockwaves through the gaming community.
Matt Booty, president of Microsoft's Game Content and Studios, informed the employees of the shutdown via email. While some team members will transition to other departments within ZeniMax, the majority of positions will unfortunately be eliminated.
The shutdown has a significant impact on the highly anticipated video game Redfall. Development of the game has come to an abrupt halt, disappointing fans who were eagerly awaiting its release. Consumers who purchased the game's Bite Back edition, priced at $100, will be eligible for a partial refund as they will not receive the planned downloadable content. The latest update to the game, released in November 2023, marks the final development effort.
Despite the closure, Arkane Studios has assured players that Redfall's servers will remain online for those who have already invested their time in the game, allowing them to continue enjoying the current features and multiplayer aspects.
The gaming community is left to ponder the future of these talented studios and the projects they were working on. Microsoft's strategic decisions in the ever-evolving gaming landscape continue to shape the industry's trajectory.
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Microsoft shuts down Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog Studios
cgtn.com
