Microsoft shuts studios behind Redfall, Hi-Fi Rush, and more

Company shutdowns are a devastating symptom of the industry's current state, and layoffs and entire company closures can come at any time. Most notably, the giants Sony and Microsoft have been dishing out mass redundancies, making the entire industry feel unsafe.

In another painful bite in the ass for the industry, four game companies are being shuttered, even though one of them is enjoying great success right now.

Redfall, Hi-Fi Rush, Mighty Doom and ESO teams are getting shut down

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In a shocking revelation, it has been announced that Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, and more are closing down in a bid to cut some costs behind the scenes at Bethesda.

The news comes from an email sent to staff by Matt Booty, announcing that the teams behind Redfall, Hi-Fi Rush and more are to be closed, with some staff members being redistributed around Bethesda's studios.

According to the email, Arkane Austin "will close with some members of the team joining other studios to work on projects across Bethesda." This comes alongside Mighty Doom's Alpha Dog studios and Hi-Fi Rush's Tango Gameworks being closed - despite the fact the latter's PS5 port is performing incredibly well.

Roundhouse Games, the team behind the support of The Elder Scrolls Online, will be rolled into ZeniMax. It's a huge deal for fans of Bethesda and its games, and it's going to make an astonishing impact on the output under the company's banner.

The full email from Booty has the head of Xbox Game Studios insist that the layoffs are no reflection of the hard-working team's efforts, but it likely isn't of much consolation in the face of total shutdown for some companies.

It's especially tough for those enjoying current success and gearing up to hopefully redeem themselves. It's a grim end for talented teams, and we can at least be grateful that they worked with us as fans in mind in the first place.