Today we received news that Microsoft was closing four studios belonging to the publisher Bethesda Softworks, which it took over in 2021. Despite everything, the makers of “Fallout” and “The Elder Scrolls” will continue to be one of the main pillars of the Xbox division in the future.
After it was leaked last week that Take-Two Interactive two studios close and most of Private Division's workforce is dismissedthe next shocking news came today.
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This time, Microsoft's decision-makers put the red pencil on again and closed four studios of the publisher Bethesda Softworks, which was taken over in March 2021. On the one hand, it hit the “Hi-Fi Rush” and “The Evil Within” makers from Tango Gameworks. In addition, Arkane Austin (“Prey” (2017) & “Redfall”) as well as Alpha Dog Games and Roundhouse Games (formerly Human Head Studios) closed their doors.
To make matters worse, Bethesda Softworks already has a French branch this year has been closed. In order to take the wind out of the sails of possible speculation and fears, the publisher himself also made a statement in the meantime.
Bethesda Softworks looks to the future
Looking ahead, Bethesda Softworks assured that the company will remain one of the mainstays of the Xbox division. In the coming years, Bethesda Softworks would like to focus on its existing communities and so-called “high-impact productions”.
Those responsible cite the “Shattered Space” expansion to “Starfield” or “Indiana Jones and the Big Circle” as an example.
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“Bethesda remains a mainstay of Xbox with an impressive portfolio of great games and thriving communities. As we look to the future, there is an impressive slate of games on the horizon. In 2024 alone we will have Starfield Shattered Space, Fallout 76 Skyline Valley, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and The Elder Scrolls Online's Golden Road,” the official statement reads.
New brands and innovative game concepts
Bethesda Softworks also stated that over the next few years the company will focus on repositioning itself in a “changing industry” and facing the creative challenges of the future.
The publisher's studios and teams want to address these challenges with both new brands and innovative concepts.
Bethesda Softworks continued: “As we align our plans and resources to best position ourselves in this complex and changing industry, our teams at Arkane Lyon, Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, MachineGames, ZeniMax Online Studios and Bethesda Publishing – and corporate teams will be well positioned to develop new IPs, explore new game concepts and expand our existing franchises.”
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