After the recent announcement of Microsoft’s closure of several Bethesda studios, including Arkane Austin, Redfall co-director Harvey Smith took to X (formerly Twitter) to reflect on his time at Arkane. In a heartfelt thread, Smith reminisced about his 16 years at the company, which he described as “a small company created in 1999 by ‘six French guys in a room'”.
Smith’s journey at Arkane began in 2008 when he became co-creative director alongside company president Raphaël Colantonio. During his time at Arkane, Smith contributed to the development of acclaimed titles such as Dishonored and Prey. However, Colantonio left the company in 2017 to found WolfEye Studios.
The closure of Arkane Austin comes after the studio’s work on Redfall, an upcoming vampire co-op shooter. The news of the closure has left many in the gaming community saddened and shocked. Smith’s reflections on the end of Arkane Austin provide a glimpse into the emotional toll that such closures can have on developers who have poured their passion and creativity into their projects.
In his X thread, Smith expressed the depth of his feelings, stating, “My throat is still raw. I don’t know how to describe it. It’s not just one feeling. It’s a mix of memories, friendships, accomplishments, gratitude, and deep sadness.” He acknowledged the challenging nature of the industry, stating, “The video game industry is a brutal one, and we were lucky to have lasted this long.”
Despite the closure, Smith remains hopeful for the future. He mentioned the talented team at Arkane Austin and expressed his confidence that they will continue to create amazing experiences. Smith also thanked the fans for their support and shared his appreciation for the impact that Arkane’s games have had on players.
The closure of Arkane Austin marks the end of an era for the studio and its dedicated team. However, the legacy of their work will continue to resonate within the gaming industry. As the gaming community mourns the loss of Arkane Austin, many eagerly await the release of Redfall, which will serve as a testament to the team’s creativity and craftsmanship.
(Source: Eurogamer)
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