Microsoft: “We need smaller games that give us prestige and awards”

Yes. You didn’t read some old statement. Just hours after the talented and beloved development team shut down Tango gamesHead of Xbox Game Studios, Matt BottiHe stressed that Microsoft “It needs smaller games that give prestige and prizes.”.

Taking things from the beginning, like a bolt from the air, came a few hours before Microsoft decided to close four Zenimax/Bethesda development teams, which it acquired in 2021. In particular, in addition to Tango, Xbox also closed the talented development team Arkan Austin responsible for Cult Prey and the more recent Redfall. Alpha Dog Studios, Bethesda’s mobile title development team that recently released Mighty DOOM, has had the same fate, while Roundhouse Games will be folded into ZeniMax Online Studios.

Wanting to clarify exactly what was going on with its employees, Xbox held a meeting at its headquarters to discuss its future goals. The Verge journalist was able to find out what was said there, and revealed that in this context, Botti said:

“We need smaller games that give us prestige and prizes.”

For the record, Tango Gameworks’ Hi-Fi Rush has received numerous awards and rave reviews from gamers and experts alike, with Microsoft executives initially saying it exceeded their expectations. In particular, Xbox Marketing Head Aaron Greenberg specifically stated:

Hi-Fi RUSH has been a huge success for us and our players across all key metrics and expectations. We couldn’t be happier with what the Tango Gameworks team has delivered with this surprise release.

Hi-Fi RUSH has been an incredible success for us and our players by all major metrics and expectations. We couldn’t be happier with what the Tango Gameworks team has delivered with this surprise release.

– Aaron Greenberg 🙅🏼‍♂️💚U (@aarongreenberg) April 21, 2023