Xbox plans more cuts at Bethesda after closure of Hi-Fi studios Rush and Redfall

The worst has not yet happened Bethesda. Following the unexpected closure of four studios, including Tango Gameworks (HiFi Rush) and Arcane Austin (red waterfall), Xbox plans more cuts at ZeniMax Media.

According to Jason Schreier of Bloomberg, Xbox has not yet completed its aggressive cost-cutting strategy. A well-known journalist assures that the company has begun to offer voluntary withdrawal Bethesda headquarters employees; including manufacturers and those responsible for conducting quality control tests.

But the story didn’t end there. Microsoft Gaming would plan drag the scissors through other areas of the Xbox, so it wouldn’t be surprising if more closures were announced soon, and not necessarily within Bethesda. It remains to be seen whether this will finally come to fruition.

Report Bloomberg It also explores the reasons that led to the closure of Bethesda and the cancellation of games such as red waterfall And HiFi Rush. While Xbox executives didn’t give specific reasons, they explained that these subsidiaries had “overexpanded” and needed to free up resources to focus on other parts of the organization.

Although the most curious thing is that Matt Bootyhead of Xbox Game Studios, emphasized the importance HiFi Rush immediately after charging. In a meeting with ZeniMax Media employees on Wednesday morning, less than 24 hours after news of Tango Gameworks’ closure broke, an executive said: “We need small games that will give us prestige and prizes” (by using Edge).

Bethesda had big plans before Xbox canceled them

Of the four studios that Xbox closed this week, the one that took the biggest hit was Tango Gameworks. Firstly, because it was the gateway to the Japanese market that Microsoft was supposedly aiming for. Secondly, because HiFi Rush It was an unexpected success and almost no promotion. Thirdly, because this game was one of the first Xbox exclusives to come out on the PlayStation.

Everything indicates that the studio, owned by ZeniMax Media He didn’t see the guillotine coming. According to Schreier, the company was preparing to expand its staff and offer the development of a sequel HiFi Rush.

Arcane Austin He also had important plans. Yes, sure red waterfall had it not been the expected commercial and critical success, there would have been no indication that it would lead to its closure. The studio is reportedly preparing to focus its efforts on a new single-player “immersive simulator.” There are rumors that this could be a new part of the saga. DISHONORED.

Of course, these ideas are now in the trash. Xbox’s decision caused significant controversy within its own organization. One of the most vocal people to express their dissatisfaction with the studio closures was Dinga Bakaba, leader of Arcane Lyon. Although the manager said his office was safe for now, he described the situation as “damn punch in the stomach”.

“To any executive reading this: a friendly reminder that video games are a culture and entertainment industry, and that your business as a corporation is to take care of your artists and performers and help them create value for you. Don’t give us a fever. Don’t turn our work environment into a Darwinian jungle. We know you can, we’ve seen it before.” posted on X (Twitter).