May 8th 2024.
Hey there, readers! It's been quite a tumultuous day in the gaming world, with some major news hitting the headlines. Let's dive in and talk about the latest developments.
First off, there's some sad news for fans of Hi-Fi Rush. It looks like the game won't be getting a sequel after all. Many gamers are disappointed by this, especially after the success of the first game. But that's not the only thing that's got people talking today.
The Wednesday letters page is buzzing with discussion about the recent closures of Xbox's game studios. One reader in particular is confused about why PSN isn't available worldwide. If you want to join in on the conversation, you can email us your thoughts at the address provided below.
But let's get back to the closures. As I was finishing up work and scrolling through my phone, I came across some upsetting news about Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin. It's really disheartening to see such talented and hard-working developers lose their jobs. And to make matters worse, it's a result of Microsoft's flawed strategy.
I've been a fan of Xbox since the beginning, one of the first 10,000 people on Xbox Live. I own over 200 digital games and have been a loyal supporter. But after this, I'm seriously considering my future with the brand. Sony's first-party games don't appeal to me, and I'm only really interested in Zelda and Metroid on Nintendo. It looks like PC and Steam will be my go-to for the foreseeable future. Well done, Phil. Well done.
It's clear that the recent closures have been the final straw for many gamers. The industry regulators are supposed to protect against unfair business practices, but it seems like money talks in all walks of life. Even when they know it's a bad idea, they still let it happen. It's a shame that the only ones benefiting from these acquisitions are the already rich corporations.
I'm absolutely disgusted with Xbox right now. It's no secret that acquisitions often lead to job losses and studio closures, but some people were quick to dismiss these concerns. And yet, here we are, with another round of layoffs just months after 1,900 people were let go.
It's clear that Microsoft had no interest in any of Bethesda's other studios. They just wanted to get their hands on the Elder Scrolls and Fallout IP. And now, we'll have to wait years for the first game to come out. By then, who knows what the gaming landscape will look like. It's a shame to see such talented teams and IPs go to waste.
But let's switch gears for a moment and talk about the Nintendo Switch 2. It's finally been confirmed, and I'm sure many of you are excited about the news. However, it's hard to ignore the recent announcement from Xbox. It's a stark contrast to Nintendo's focus on games and innovative hardware. Instead, Xbox seems to be more interested in buying up other developers and mismanaging them before eventually shutting them down.
On a more positive note, portable gaming seems to be gaining more popularity. As someone who can't always spend all day at home playing games, I appreciate the convenience of being able to take my Nintendo Switch on the go. And with the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and other portable PCs, the future of gaming seems to be heading in that direction.
So, readers, what are your thoughts on the recent news? Are you disappointed about Hi-Fi Rush not getting a sequel? What do you think of Xbox's studio closures? And are you excited about the Nintendo Switch 2? Email us your thoughts and join the conversation.
I was scrolling through my phone while finishing up work when I came across some heartbreaking news. It turns out that Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin, two studios under Xbox, will be closing down. My heart goes out to all the talented and hard-working developers who are now facing uncertain futures. But it's not just the developers that I feel for, it's also the failure of Microsoft's strategy that has left me feeling disappointed.
I have to admit, I've been a huge fan of Game Pass and the opportunities it has provided for me to try out new games with my family and friends. But after three years of Bethesda being under Xbox's ownership, we only have one game from before the acquisition and another that, despite great reviews, couldn't find a large enough audience. And now, they're shutting down two studios, including their only Japanese developer, causing frustration and anger among their other game studios.
As someone who has been a loyal Xbox fan since the beginning, I can't help but feel let down by the recent decisions made by the company. With over 200 digital purchases and being one of the first 10,000 people to join Xbox Live, I feel like I've been a part of this journey from the very beginning. But now, I'm starting to question my loyalty. Sony's first-party games don't appeal to me, and the only games I really enjoy on Nintendo are Zelda and Metroid. It seems like my future in gaming may lie with PC and Steam.
It's hard to ignore the unstoppable force of corporate greed that seems to be driving these decisions. As more and more companies are being acquired and shut down for the sake of increased profits, I can't help but question the role of industry regulators. Aren't they supposed to protect against unfair business practices, like buying a company for their intellectual property and then shutting them down? Unfortunately, money seems to have more power than regulations, and even when regulators know it's a bad idea, it still gets approved.
I am utterly disgusted with Xbox's actions. I remember reading an article from GC a while back that predicted this very scenario, but at the time, some people dismissed it as bias. And yet, here we are, just a few months after 1,900 people were let go, facing yet another round of studio closures. While I understand the difficult position Arkane Austin was in, it's hard to make sense of Tango Gameworks' closure. Not only did they create the highest-rated Xbox game of last year, but they were also the only Japanese developer under Xbox's umbrella. It's become painfully obvious that Microsoft's only interest in Bethesda was to acquire the rights to Elder Scrolls and Fallout.
What a wasted opportunity. I can't help but wonder if we'll ever see any new games from these beloved franchises. But at this point, I wouldn't be surprised if Xbox goes under before we get a chance to play them. And if they do, I hope Bethesda can regain their independence. At least then, there might be a chance for these games to see the light of day. As for Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, it's clear that everything he touches turns into a disaster.
On a brighter note, Tuesday brought us some exciting news from Nintendo about the rumored Switch 2. But that excitement was short-lived when I read the announcement from Xbox. At this point, nothing surprises me, but what really got to me was the heartless email from a Microsoft executive. It was as if they didn't care about the people who were being let go and expected them to be proud of their sacrifice for the company's growth.
Unfortunately, I don't think these are the last victims of Xbox's actions. Any game that doesn't meet their expectations, and isn't a big enough IP, will likely lead to the closure of that studio. Someone at Xbox needs to explain to Microsoft why they've spent $80 billion on gaming without any real results to show for it.
I had planned to write in about the Nintendo Switch 2 news, but after reading about Xbox's latest blunder, I couldn't help but feel disheartened. It's been said before, but it's worth repeating: if only Microsoft (and Sony to a lesser extent) took more inspiration from Nintendo, they might be in a better position. Nintendo's focus on games and innovative hardware has been their driving force since the days of the Xbox 360. But all Xbox seems to do is acquire other studios and mismanage them until they eventually shut down.
While Redfall may not have been a success, Microsoft knew that before releasing it. So why did they bother releasing it in such a state? And they claimed that Hi-Fi Rush was doing well, but now it seems like they just don't care about it because it's not a big enough IP. We'll never know for sure, but even if they do give an explanation now, I doubt anyone would believe them.
Despite all the disappointment and frustration with Xbox, I still find solace in portable gaming, particularly on my Nintendo Switch. Being able to play my favorite games on the go, like Monster Hunter Rise and Sunbreak, has been a game-changer for me. And with the promise of the Nintendo Switch 2 and other portable PCs on the horizon, the future of gaming seems to be leaning towards portability. It's a great way to enjoy games without being cooped up in the house all day. Plus, the option to dock the console adds even more convenience. I've even shared my library with my sister by simply linking my account to her Switch.
In conclusion, while the actions of Xbox may have left a sour taste in our mouths, there is still hope for the future of gaming. And as long as we continue to voice our opinions and hold companies accountable, we can hopefully see a positive change in the industry.
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