Tango Gameworks
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Xbox's Early Momentum from Asha Sharma is Fading Fast
Xbox's early positive momentum under Asha Sharma appears to be fading due to rumors of studio closures, including Ninja Theory, and the recent shuttering of Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks. This trend is eroding player trust and potentially jeopardizing the success of future initiatives like Project Helix, which aims to unify Xbox's hardware, software, and services.
Dev releases one of the year's best shooters, entire team is laid off less than a month later: "A decision that was completely outside of our control"
Kwalee Labs has laid off its entire development team and shut down the studio less than a month after releasing its well-received cosmic horror bullet hell shooter, Luna Abyss. Despite positive reviews and critical acclaim, studio CEO Hollie Emery stated the decision was outside of their control. This follows a trend of successful games not guaranteeing studio survival, with the closure of Tango Gameworks after Hi-Fi Rush's release also noted.
Xbox to shut down at least three game developers and no one is safe
Xbox is reportedly planning to shut down at least three game development studios, including Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine, as part of a broader 'reset' and layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division. Ninja Theory is reportedly seeking a new buyer, while Compulsion Games and Double Fine are in negotiations to become independent. This follows previous studio closures and layoffs at Xbox, such as Tango Gameworks and The Initiative.
Several studios at risk of closure amid Xbox restructuring
Several internal Xbox studios, including Double Fine, Compulsion Games, and Ninja Theory, are reportedly at risk of closure or being shut down as part of a global restructuring. These studios are in discussions with Xbox to potentially go independent or secure their future. This move follows previous closures of Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin and comes as Xbox shifts focus to major IPs like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, amidst broader industry challenges including layoffs at Ubisoft.
Double Fine, Ninja Theory reportedly among multiple Xbox studios rushing to negotiate an exit as Microsoft plans more…
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning further studio closures and restructuring, with Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion Games in negotiations to spin off independently. New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty have indicated the current business model is unsustainable, leading to expected layoffs and studio cuts, following the recent closure of Tango Gameworks.
As Xbox eyes layoffs, Microsoft's CEO says its videogames aren't monetised enough—so it's not the cancelled games or $68.7 billion deals or AI overspending, then
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that the company's video games are not sufficiently monetized, suggesting this is the core issue rather than cancelled projects or large acquisitions. This comes amid layoffs at Xbox, with Xbox CEO Asha Sharma calling for a "reset" to better meet fan expectations. The article also touches on the rising costs of game development and the industry's struggle to find sustainable monetization models.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox must become 'sustainable' as it reportedly considers major spinoff
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that Xbox must become a 'sustainable' business, implying it has been subsidized rather than profitable. This follows reports that Microsoft is considering spinning out Xbox into a standalone unit, potentially to sell it or find a partner. The company also aims to speed up development for major franchises like Halo and The Elder Scrolls, while addressing challenges like memory chip price increases driven by AI companies.
"One discovers, one guides, and one strikes the final blow": Ikumi Nakamura's new yokai-hunting game Kemuri is turning co-op into a ritual, somehow
Kemuri, a new third-person action game from Ikumi Nakamura's Unseen Inc., features co-op gameplay for up to three players where each player takes on a distinct role in hunting yokai. The game, set in a vertical city, also hints at unique online interactions during single-player. Kemuri is slated for a 2027 release on PlayStation 5 and PC.
Kemuri is the new stylish yokai game led by Ikumi Nakamura
Ikumi Nakamura's new studio, Unseen, has revealed Kemuri, a stylish, urban co-op yokai action game. Set in Kemuri City, players take on the role of Yokai Hunters using unique hand gestures to interact with the spirit world. The game supports online co-op for up to three players and is set to launch in 2027 for PlayStation 5.
Now that we're living in a KPop Demon Hunters and Jujutsu Kaisen world, yokai-smiting action game Kemuri should be…
The co-op action game Kemuri, from studio founder Ikumi Nakamura, revealed its first gameplay trailer during Sony's State of Play. The game features players hunting yokai in a mixed urban and supernatural setting, with the ability to possess yokai for new powers. Kemuri is slated for release next year on PlayStation 5.
Kemuri is a Yokai-hunting action fighter from Ikumi Nakamura’s studio Unseen
Unseen, the studio founded by Ikumi Nakamura, has revealed Kemuri, a Yokai-hunting action game. Set in Kemuri City, players will hunt and battle Yokai, aiming to contract with them to use their powers. The game will also feature multiplayer co-op.
Super Stylish Demon-Slaying Action Game Kemuri Announced for PS5
Kemuri, a new demon-slaying action game from the studio Unseen, spearheaded by Ikumi Nakamura, has been announced for PlayStation 5. The stylish urban sandbox title, which supports co-op for up to three players, is slated for a 2027 release. Nakamura previously worked on The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo at Tango Gameworks.
Dead as Disco is out in early access to fill the Hi-Fi Rush and, weirdly, Batman: Arkham series shaped hole in your heart
Dead as Disco, an action rhythm game developed by Brain Jar Games, has been released in early access on PC. The game features combat that requires players to time their attacks to the background music, drawing comparisons to both Hi-Fi Rush and the Batman: Arkham series. It also includes an editor for players to map their own music.
Former Elder Scrolls Online boss describes Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin closing as a turning point at Xbox: 'I…
Matt Firor, founder of ZeniMax Online Studios, described the closures of Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin as a significant turning point for Xbox, leading developers to fear further layoffs. Firor, who also experienced the cancellation of his game Project Blackbird, views these events as part of a larger industry-wide trend of boom and bust cycles, a sentiment echoed by industry veteran Brenda Romero.
12 Games You Can Actually Finish Under 30 Hours (2026) | TAG
This article highlights 12 games that can be completed in under 30 hours, with many falling under 10 hours, emphasizing that their short length is by design rather than due to cut content. The list includes titles like A Short Hike, Firewatch, Stray, and Outer Wilds, categorized by playtime and offering a solution for players struggling with large backlogs.
Xbox Cutting Game Pass and Pulling Call of Duty Is Finally Honest
Xbox has reduced the price of Game Pass Ultimate and will no longer offer day-one access to future Call of Duty titles, a move described as the most honest statement from the company in years. This shift acknowledges that the previous pricing and strategy were unsustainable, particularly after the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The company is also scaling back its hardware ambitions and focusing on becoming a multi-platform publisher.
Is Fortnite Toxic? An Honest Answer Backed by Data (2026) | TAG
Data suggests Fortnite's reputation for toxicity is more nuanced than commonly perceived, with lower rates of identity-based harassment compared to other competitive shooters. While age-driven trash talk and skill-gap frustration are prevalent, especially in modes like Ranked, Epic Games has implemented moderation tools and default communication settings to mitigate harm, particularly for younger players.
Underrated PS5 Adventure Game 75% Off on PS Store, Lowest Price
Ghostwire Tokyo, an action-adventure game developed by Tango Gameworks and directed by Shinji Mikami, is available for 75% off on the PlayStation Store for PlayStation 5. This limited-time deal brings the game to its lowest price of $14.99 until April 9th, with an updated version featuring new content and a roguelite mode.
Embracer layoffs, Nintendo's patent problem, and is Baby Steps an Uncharted sequel? - Patch Notes #46
Several game development studios have announced layoffs and closures, including Embracer Group's Eidos Montreal and Ivy Road. Shinji Mikami has founded a new studio, Unbound Inc., with Shift Up. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is performing well at the box office, while Nintendo's patent for a sub-character combat mechanic has been rejected. Rec Room is shutting down due to profitability issues, and VR developer Polyarc has also made layoffs.
Resident Evil Creator's New Studio Sold To Stellar Blade Owner
Shinji Mikami, the creator of Resident Evil, has sold his studio Unbound to Shift Up, the developer behind Stellar Blade. Unbound is currently working on new PC and console games for the global market. Mikami stated that the partnership with Shift Up is ideal for focusing on creativity.
