The sudden shutdown of four reputed gaming studios by Microsoft has shocked everyone. Now even the Helldivers 2 CEO has pitched in. These four development studios—Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog, and Roundhouse Games—have been an inseparable part of Xbox since they became a part of the platform from Zenimax way back in 2011.
The whole gaming fraternity is in awe after this shocking news. But the most astonished has to be Arrowhead Gaming Studios CEO and Helldivers 2 Director, Johan Pilestedt, regarding one particular development studio of those sufferers. And his uncanny comparison clearly explains everything.
Helldivers 2 CEO Would Have Sold the Rolls Royce
In a recent X post, Pilestedt expressed his concern over the sudden closure of the Japanese video game development company, Tango Gameworks. He has stated that it would have been better if Microsoft had sold the studio instead of randomly shutting it down. Thus, the development team would have found a new home to build more great games like Hi-Fi Rush, The Evil Within, Ghostwire: Tokyo, and many more.
I don't understand the closure of @TangoGameworks, I mean… Why close instead of divest? Surely the team would easily have been able to find a new home. 🤷♂️
— Pilestedt (@Pilestedt) May 7, 2024
In this regard, one fan has stated his opinion as well. He thinks it was bound to happen, and the next studio in line is Bethesda. According to him, despite the huge exposure and hype, Bethesda’s space exploration title, Starfield, never fulfilled its expectations. And that’s why it failed to make it onto the list of Game of the Year Awards.
Yeah… But if I have a 2024 Rolls Royce I don't want anymore. I sell it instead of taking it to the junkyard.
— Pilestedt (@Pilestedt) May 7, 2024
Here comes Pilestedt with his unique but realistic comparison. In reply to the fan, he stated that if he ever had a 2024 version of Rolls Royce that he didn’t want anymore, he would have sold it instead of just taking it to the junkyard.
Hence, according to the director, Tango Gameworks was like a superior Rolls Royce, which Microsoft shouldn’t have just casually shut off.
The Shocking Decision that Shook the Gaming Community
The four developing studios—Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog, and Roundhouse Games, had been an integral part of Microsoft gaming. However, the shutting down of these studios is a big blow to the community. The Elder Scrolls Online developer Zenimax Online Studios will absorb Roundhouse Studios.
On the other hand, Arkane Austin’s Redfall, which stumbled badly on the floor, will no longer receive any updates, like the promised character DLC and an offline mode. Microsoft has stated that they have stopped the development of this game. However, the server of the game will remain online forever for the players to play.
Although other developing studios of Microsoft like Machine Games, Bethesda Game Studios, Id Software, and Arkane Lyon survived this time from the wrath of being shut down.
What’s your opinion on the Pilestedt’s words? Let us know in the comments section below.
