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Closure of Tango Gameworks and Xbox's Changing Creative Leadership

2024-06-21 13:24:34.813000

Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, has announced that Xbox is set to release a lineup of highly anticipated blockbusters on Game Pass [aea01611]. These upcoming games promise to redefine gaming and offer players immersive experiences across various genres.

One of the most anticipated titles is Halo Infinite, which aims to recapture the magic of the original trilogy while delivering a gameplay experience with player agency and choice [aea01611]. Fable, another highly anticipated game, offers unprecedented agency in shaping the game world and a rich tapestry of storytelling [aea01611]. Forza Horizon 5 combines racing with freedom, exploration, and attention to detail, promising an exhilarating experience for racing game enthusiasts [aea01611]. Avowed, an epic RPG, boasts a captivating world, deep lore, and memorable characters [aea01611]. Lastly, Perfect Dark is a reimagining of the classic spy franchise, promising secrets, action, and a cinematic experience [aea01611].

By releasing these upcoming Xbox blockbusters on Game Pass, Microsoft aims to provide added value and convenience to subscribers, allowing them to access these highly anticipated games on day one [ecab3d5b] [aea01611]. This move further solidifies Microsoft's commitment to expanding the Game Pass library with top-tier titles from ZeniMax, Activision Blizzard, and Xbox Game Studios [ecab3d5b] [aea01611].

Gamers can look forward to experiencing these highly anticipated titles on Game Pass, with more updates on availability and release dates to come [ecab3d5b] [aea01611].

PlayStation Plus has also announced the free games lineup for April 2024 [4a87c540]. Subscribers will have the opportunity to play 'Immortals of Aveum' for PS5, a first-person fantasy game developed by EA and Ascendant Studios. 'Minecraft Legends' for PS4 and PS5 offers a strategic twist on the sandbox experience, developed by Mojang and Blackbird Interactive. 'Skul: The Hero Slayer' for PS4 is a 2D rogue-lite game developed by Neowiz and Southpaw Games. Additionally, subscribers will receive an exclusive Mega Bundle for 'Overwatch 2' with legendary and epic skins. These games will be available for claiming from April 2 until May 6 [4a87c540].

In addition to the Xbox blockbusters on Game Pass and the PlayStation Plus free games lineup, PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC users will also have new video games to look forward to in the upcoming week. Two of the new video games include 'South Park: Snow Day!' and 'Open Roads' [c812d7ac]. 'South Park: Snow Day!' allows players to create mayhem in a town shut down by a blizzard, while 'Open Roads' follows teenager Tess Devine and her mother Opal on a road trip to discover dark secrets and hidden treasure [c812d7ac]. Both games will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC [c812d7ac].

Xbox X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC gamers can also play a number of new games this week. Some of the new video games include 'Turbo Golf Racing', 'South Park: Snow Day!', and 'Open Roads'. These games are available on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms. The gaming community is buzzing with excitement and anticipation for these new releases [94baac32].

Xbox Game Pass has added a horror game called The Quarry, which features 186 unique endings. The game, released in 2022, revolves around a group of teenagers surviving supernatural attacks at a summer camp. Players can make choices that affect the ending and can also experience the game as a movie. The Quarry stars actors Justice Smith and Ariel Winter. The game is accessible and offers extra help for players. Another game, Elden Ring, also offers multiple endings, and its upcoming DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, may introduce new endings. The Quarry is available on Xbox Game Pass and Steam. [5b2f18dc]

At the PC Gaming Show, a new trailer for Escape From Tarkov was revealed, showcasing story quests and other features coming to the game. The trailer provides a first look at the promised storyline quests, which will be one of the biggest additions to the game in years. It suggests that players will be on a quest to travel across all of the maps in the Tarkov region in search of a way out, with potential map-changing events. Map transitions were also hinted at, which will be introduced with a new quest. The trailer also features clips from Arena, another game by Battlestate Games, which carries its own price tag. The new Skybridge map for Arena was also shown. No release date was announced for Escape From Tarkov, but it is expected to launch with the winter wipe later this year. [61353056]

Head of Xbox Game Studios, Matt Booty, suggests that the closure of Tango Gameworks was due to the studio's changing 'creative leadership.' The closure occurred despite the success of their game Hi-Fi Rush. Shinji Mikami, former Head of Tango Gameworks, left the studio early last year. Booty insinuated that a change in personnel is partly responsible for the closure. Microsoft's platform philosophy has been changing, with 'Project Latitude' aiming to expand Xbox's publishing reach onto Nintendo and PlayStation consoles. The closure of Tango Gameworks indicates Xbox's struggles [5075f07d].

The closed beta for Everywhere, the upcoming game from former Rockstar North President and GTA producer Leslie Benzies' Build A Rocket Boy, will start next week. The closed beta, called the "Builders Beta", will launch on June 18 on PC and will focus on the game's ARCADIA building tools and publishing system. The game is designed to be a haven for limitless creativity, allowing players to create their own games and experiences without coding experience. Invites for the Builders Beta will be sent out in waves ahead of the start date, and those who were part of the game's Alpha will automatically have access to the beta. [22e789c5]

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