Xbox Shuts Down Four Bethesda Studios

Earlier this week, Xbox made the decision to close four Bethesda studios, impacting developers such as Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks. Despite statements from the affected studios, Xbox remained silent on the matter.

However, in a recent interview with Bloomberg, Xbox president Sarah Bond finally addressed the closures. She emphasized the need to maintain the long-term health of the Xbox business, even during difficult transition periods.

Quotes from Sarah Bond

“It’s always extraordinarily hard when you have to make decisions like that. Our commitment to having our own studios and working with partners to create games remains unchanged. And our dedication to Bethesda and its role within Xbox is unwavering,” Bond stated.

She further discussed upcoming projects from Xbox studios, such as the Fallout TV show on Amazon and the highly anticipated Indiana Jones game. Despite the challenges, the focus remains on supporting the impacted individuals through this tough transition.

Addressing Specific Studio Closures

When asked about Tango Gameworks closure following the success of Hi-Fi Rush, Bond emphasized the unique nature of each game studio and the factors considered in such decisions. She highlighted the long-term commitment to delivering quality games, devices, and services.

While the acknowledgment of these closures is appreciated, there is still a lack of clarity from Microsoft and Xbox regarding the layoffs and closures. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has yet to make an official statement on the matter.

For more updates, dive into the details of Redfall’s offline play update before the studio closure and discover the possibility of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II coming to PlayStation 5. Additionally, explore reports on upcoming job cuts at Xbox and the potential addition of Call of Duty to Xbox Game Pass.

Share your thoughts on Bond’s responses in the comments below!