Microsoft has made the decision to close several Bethesda studios, including those responsible for Redfall and Hi-Fi Rush, as part of an internal reorganization aimed at prioritizing titles and resources. The acquisition of Bethesda by Microsoft in 2020, through its parent company ZeniMax Media, resulted in the company having 23 creative studios and gaining popular franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout.
The affected studios include Arkane Austin, the team behind Redfall, as well as Alpha Dog Studios, developers of Doom, Tango Gameworks, known for Hi-Fi Rush, and Roundhouse Games. While Hi-Fi Rush will still be available on current platforms, Mighty Doom will be discontinued on August 7. Redfall, on the other hand, will not receive any further updates after development is completed.
The Roundhouse Games team will now become part of ZeniMax Online Studios to work on The Elder Scrolls Online. Despite these closures, Arkane Lyon division is still working on immersive experiences and has an upcoming project in the works. Studios affected by the reorganization have taken to social media to share the news and express gratitude to players for their support.
Additionally, players who have purchased in-game currency for Mighty Doom can request refunds, and information on how to do so will be provided. The affected studios are ensuring that their previous games will still be accessible to players even after the closures. This reorganization reflects Microsoft’s commitment to investing more in Bethesda’s portfolio of blockbuster games and beloved worlds.