Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks were reportedly in the process of pitching sequels to two much-loved titles – namely Hi-Fi Rush 2 and a potential new Dishonored game – when Microsoft made the shock decision to close the studios, and more Xbox cuts are said to be on the way.
That’s according to Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier who, citing sources familiar with the matter, says Arkane had been looking to return to its roots following the release of last year’s critically panned multiplayer shooter Redfall, and had pitched a new single-player ‘immersive sim’ – “such as a new entry in the Dishonored series” – to Xbox executives.
Tango Gameworks, meanwhile, was also in the pitching process, hoping to make a sequel to last year’s critically acclaimed rhythm-action hit Hi-FI Rush – a game Microsoft previously called “one of the most successful launches for Bethesda and Xbox in recent years”.
Inevitably, following Microsoft’s decision to shut down both studios – a move that also saw the closure of Mighty Doom developer Alpha Dog Games and the merging of Roundhouse Studios with ZeniMax Online – neither pitch will proceed. And the company’s justification for the closures remains vague.