Tango Gameworks
Tango Gameworks business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Shinji Mikami to join AIAS Hall of Fame at 2026 DICE Awards
Prolific game developer Shinji Mikami, known for pioneering the Resident Evil series, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 30th annual DICE Awards on February 18, 2026. The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) is honoring Mikami for his over 30-year career, which includes founding Tango Gameworks and establishing Unbound. Goichi Suda will present the award.
Kemuri’s Latest Trailer Showcases Combat, Traversal, and a Furniture Golem
A new trailer for Unseen's co-op action game Kemuri was showcased at Tokyo Game Show 2026, highlighting combat, traversal abilities, and a unique furniture golem boss. Developed by a team led by Ikumi Nakamura, the game is set for a 2027 release on PlayStation 5, with PC and Xbox Series X/S versions unconfirmed. The trailer also offered glimpses into the game's characters and semi-open world exploration.
id Software dev says mass layoffs like Microsoft's are weakening the games industry, because developers 'don't have the incentive to care anymore'
id Software lead services programmer Chris Hayes argues that mass layoffs, like those seen at Microsoft's Xbox division, are detrimental to the games industry. He believes these actions weaken the industry by removing developers' incentive to care about their craft and the long-term quality of games, ultimately leading to mediocre products and a less healthy creative environment.
Dev at id Software says Microsoft 'burned a lot of bridges' in the industry: 'They fundamentally don't understand art, they don't understand games'
Chris Hays, lead services programmer at id Software, criticized Microsoft's handling of recent layoffs, stating the company "fundamentally don't understand art, they don't understand games." He described the process as "inhumane" and "demoralizing," leading to a significant loss of talent and expertise within the studio. Hays believes Microsoft has "burned a lot of bridges" and damaged its reputation, making future recruitment and trust difficult.
Here’s A Chance To Get Ghostwire: Tokyo And Two Other Games For $5
A new Mystery VIP Bundle from Fanatical offers three Steam games for $4.99, including a chance to get Ghostwire: Tokyo. Other potential games include Doom Eternal and Pathologic 3, with rarer VIP Packs containing titles like Gothic 1 Remake. Developed by Tango Gameworks, Ghostwire: Tokyo is a first-person action game set in a supernatural Tokyo.
Saudi-led EA buyout receives EU approval, Xbox trials ad-supported game streaming, and Poinpy is eternal - Patch Notes #62
The European Commission has approved the Saudi-led buyout of Electronic Arts, while Xbox is trialing ad-supported game streaming for select titles. Separately, the mobile platformer Poinpy has returned, and news emerges about a revived Kinect game, scrapped Pokémon designs, and legal disputes involving Nintendo and Bethesda employees.
Alpha Dog Games returns to independence two years after being shuttered by Xbox
Alpha Dog Games, the developer of Mighty Doom, has returned to independent ownership two years after being shut down by Microsoft. Studio founder Shawn Woods confirmed the transition, expressing gratitude to Microsoft for enabling the return. The studio is updating its Unity-based engine and is in discussions with partners, though specific projects remain undisclosed.
Another former Xbox studio is "independently owned, again" after Microsoft shut it down in 2024
Alpha Dog Games, a studio previously shut down by Microsoft in 2024, has reemerged as an independently owned entity. Studio founder Shawn Woods updated his LinkedIn profile to reflect the change, indicating the studio regained independence in May 2025. This follows a trend of studios becoming independent after Microsoft's recent closures and layoffs.
Is Game Pass Still the Right Strategy for Xbox?
This article analyzes the current state and future strategy of Xbox Game Pass, questioning its sustainability and impact on game value. Despite initial excitement and acquisitions to bolster its library, internal sentiment appears negative, with reports of studios detesting the service and subscriber growth falling short of projections. While Game Pass remains a key, albeit paradoxical, component of Xbox's offerings, its future is uncertain amidst internal challenges and a need for renewed growth.
Does anyone know how to drive this thing?
The article critiques the current state of the video game industry, highlighting a perceived lack of direction and a focus on short-term profits over sustainable development. It points to Sony's struggles with live-service games and Microsoft's costly acquisition spree and subsequent layoffs as examples of poor management. The author argues that this trend of layoffs and uncertainty is detrimental to game development and player experience, contrasting it with companies like Capcom and Larian that have maintained stability and achieved success.
KRAFTON UNVEILS ITS GAMESCOM 2026 BOOTH EXPERIENCES
KRAFTON has revealed its plans for gamescom 2026, featuring five upcoming titles with playable demos, themed missions, and exclusive merchandise. The booth will showcase an unannounced title from PUBG STUDIOS, NO LAW, Project ZETA, Age Twisters, and TARAE: The Unbound, offering interactive experiences beyond traditional game demos. The event will take place at Koelnmesse from August 26-30.
Warframe creative director says Destiny 2's end is tragic, because even with hard work 'the business side of this industry always gets the last remark'
Warframe's creative director Rebecca Ford expressed that the recent layoffs at Bungie and cessation of updates for Destiny 2 are tragic, highlighting how the business side of the industry often dictates outcomes despite developers' hard work. She noted that such decisions are existentially threatening to developers, as seen with Microsoft's closure of Tango Gameworks and other industry-wide cuts.
Doom dev Id is now "about the same size we were when making Doom 2016" after layoffs
Id Software has addressed recent layoffs, stating that the studio remains adequately staffed to continue developing games and technology. Despite significant job cuts impacting over half the team, the developer confirmed its current size is comparable to when it was developing Doom 2016. The studio emphasized its commitment to its core philosophy and supporting affected employees, while looking forward to future projects and QuakeCon.
Xbox needs to make a choice, says former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden: be a publisher or a platform, but you can't be both
Former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden argues that Xbox must choose between being a major game publisher or a platform holder, stating it cannot effectively be both. He highlights the need for exclusive content to support a platform, contrasting it with the multiplatform approach required for a top publisher, a dilemma exacerbated by recent Xbox layoffs and strategic shifts.
Xbox Game Pass Hidden Gems: 20 Games Worth Playing Right Now (2026) | TAG
This guide highlights 20 under-the-radar games available on Xbox Game Pass, categorized by their time commitment. It focuses on titles that are either new, forgotten, or obscure, offering recommendations for various playstyles and schedules. The article emphasizes that these games are worth owning even if they leave the service.
Pitches for a co-op Doom, a new Perfect Dark, and a John Wick-inspired cyberpunk game were cooking at id Software before Microsoft layoffs reportedly led to 136 job cuts
id Software reportedly had multiple projects in development, including a new Perfect Dark, a John Wick-inspired cyberpunk game titled Fury, and a multiplayer Doom title, before significant layoffs occurred. These pitches were made after the completion of Doom: The Dark Ages' Revelations DLC, and the studio's future now seems uncertain as Xbox reportedly pushes for faster releases of major franchises like The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5.
Opinion: Welcome to the house of pain, brought to you by Xbox
Xbox is facing significant layoffs and studio closures despite massive investments in mergers and acquisitions, including the $70 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard King. CEO Asha Sharma cited a failure to meet growth expectations for Game Pass and multi-platform strategies as reasons for the 'reset,' which has resulted in over 7,000 job cuts across the company since January 2024, with more planned.
'Regarding Arkane… how much?' — Xbox is falling apart and as thousands more are hit with layoffs, I think it's time for someone to save the Dishonored and Marvel's Blade developer before it's too late
Amidst widespread layoffs and studio closures at Xbox, there are concerns about the future of Arkane Studios. The article argues for Arkane's acquisition by another company to preserve its legacy of acclaimed titles like Dishonored and Prey, and to ensure the completion of its current project, Marvel's Blade.
The $69 Billion Hangover: Every Xbox Layoff Since The Activision Blizzard Merger
Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion has been followed by significant layoffs and studio closures within its Xbox division. These cuts, described by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma as a "reset" due to an unhealthy business, have impacted thousands of employees and led to the cancellation of several game projects across various studios since January 2024.
Xbox is Punishing its Studios For Following Previous Orders – Report
A report indicates that Xbox is punishing its studios for following previous directives, leading to significant layoffs and studio closures. This follows major investments like the Activision Blizzard acquisition and the push for Game Pass, with some studios being criticized for prioritizing the subscription service over individual game sales. The situation has created an environment of fear and uncertainty, impacting game development.
