‘I have to run a sustainable business’: Xbox’s Phil Spencer discusses Tango closure

Xbox boss Phil Spencer has spoken publicly about last month’s decision to close four Bethesda studios.

In early May it was revealed that Microsoft would be closing down Redfall developer Arkane Austin, Hi-Fi Rush studio Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog and Roundhouse Games.

Following the presentation of the Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday, Spencer was asked during an on-stage interview at IGN Live to explain the decision to close the studios, in particular Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks.

The Microsoft Gaming CEO said he hadn’t discussed the situation much in public because he had been focusing on the staff being made redundant.

“I haven’t been talking publicly about this because right now is a time for us to focus on the team and the individuals,” he replied.

“It’s obviously a decision that’s very hard on them, and I want to make sure through severance and other things that we’re doing the right thing for the individuals on the team. It’s not about my PR, it’s not about Xbox PR, it’s about those teams.”

Spencer went on to say that while he personally didn’t like making the decision to close down Tango, his job was ultimately to keep Xbox profitable.

“I’ve said over and over, I have to run a sustainable business inside the company, and grow,” he explained.

“And that means sometimes I have to make hard decisions that, frankly, are not decisions I love, but decisions that somebody needs to go make.

“We will continue to go forward, we will continue to invest in what we’re trying to do in Xbox, and build the best business that we can, which ensures we can continue to do shows like the one we just did.”