Tango Gameworks Closure: Leadership Change Played a Significant Role, Says Xbox's Matt Booty

Matt Booty, head of Xbox Game Studios, has provided additional context regarding the closure of Tango Gameworks, implying that the studio's recent leadership transition was a crucial factor in the decision. In a conversation on Variety's Strictly Business podcast, Booty was asked if Microsoft had sought another buyer before shutting down the Japan-based developer, but he declined to share specific details out of respect for those affected. Booty acknowledged that significant effort went into developing Hi-Fi Rush, which he described as an excellent game that performed well for Xbox. However, he emphasized that the company's decision was based on a forward-looking assessment of the studio's potential for future success, considering factors such as leadership, creative direction, and team composition. Booty's comments appear to allude to the leadership changes at Tango Gameworks following the departure of founder Shinji Mikami in 2023. The closure of Tango Gameworks was part of a broader restructuring effort by Microsoft, which also resulted in the shutdown of three other ZeniMax-owned studios: Arkane Austin, Alpha Dog Studios, and Roundhouse Games. According to Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, these closures were necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.