In the wake of Microsoft’s sweeping decision to shutter several studios under its recently acquired Bethesda umbrella, including Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin, a somber reaction has emerged from none other than Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami. The veteran game developer, who founded Tango Gameworks after leaving Capcom in 2010, has expressed his sadness over the closure of the studio he helped establish with the goal of fostering young talent.
In a poignant tweet, Mikami simply stated, “sad,” in response to the news of Tango Gameworks’ closure. While concise, his sentiment carries significant weight, given the studio’s origins and Mikami’s vision for it.
The oft-told story behind Tango Gameworks’ formation is that Mikami established the studio as a nurturing environment for up-and-coming developers to thrive. This philosophy was exemplified in the studio’s most recent release, Hi-Fi Rush, where younger talents like creative director John Johanas took the lead, while Mikami assumed a more hands-off producing role.
Tango closed. Sad.
— 三上 真司 (@shinji_mikami) May 7, 2024
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Mikami’s departure from Tango Gameworks in February 2023 marked a new chapter for the studio, as it sought to establish its own identity beyond the shadow of its legendary founder. However, Microsoft’s decision to shutter the studio mere months after the PlayStation 5 release of Hi-Fi Rush, and just over a year after an Xbox executive praised the game’s success, has abruptly cut short that journey.
The closure of Tango Gameworks effectively dismantles the space Mikami had carved out for young developers to flourish, leaving a bittersweet legacy. Mikami’s reaction underscores the profound impact this decision has had on the studio’s core mission and the aspirations of its talented team.
Elsewhere, the closure of Arkane Austin, the studio behind the ill-fated Redfall, has drawn sharp criticism from industry figures. Dinga Bakaba, the studio head of Arkane Lyon, which is currently leading development on Marvel’s Blade, called the move a “fucking gut stab” and urged executives to prioritize employee well-being, especially during challenging times.
As the gaming industry grapples with the repercussions of Microsoft’s cost-cutting measures, Mikami’s sentiment serves as a poignant reminder of the human toll such decisions can have, particularly when studios founded on nurturing creativity and fostering talent are caught in the crossfire.
