The closure of Arkane Austin, the studio behind the popular Dishonored series and 2017’s Prey, has devastated a dedicated Prey fan account that has been counting down the days for a sequel. After Microsoft confirmed the closure of several Bethesda and ZeniMax studios, including Arkane Austin, the fan account ‘Has Prey 2 Been Announced Yet?’ broke a 2,556-long streak of tweets with a tragic message, signaling the end of hope for a sequel to the beloved game.
Despite the enduring popularity of 2017’s Prey with both players and critics, the game is considered a commercial flop. This disappointing performance may have contributed to Microsoft’s decision not to greenlight a sequel. The original Prey game was a reboot of the cult classic 2006 FPS of the same name, developed by Human Head. A sequel to the original game was in development but was ultimately canceled by Bethesda in 2014 after being shelved in 2011.
Microsoft’s approach to game development and studio management has come under scrutiny following the closure of Arkane Austin. After celebrating hits like Halo Infinite, Xbox executives have emphasized their commitment to not giving up on games like Redfall. However, the closure of Arkane Austin and the subsequent surrender of the Prey fan account raise questions about Microsoft’s priorities and decision-making processes when it comes to greenlighting sequels and supporting underperforming titles.
The Future of Prey
With Arkane Austin shuttered and the fate of the Prey series uncertain, fans are left wondering if they will ever see a sequel to the 2017 game. The closure of a studio responsible for beloved titles like Dishonored and Deathloop has cast a shadow over the future of the Prey franchise. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the challenges of funding and developing sequels to niche or underperforming titles become increasingly apparent.
The closure of Arkane Austin and the surrender of the Prey fan account mark the end of an era for fans of the franchise. The disappointment of not seeing a sequel to a beloved game highlights the challenges and uncertainties of the gaming industry. As fans mourn the loss of a potential sequel, they are left to reflect on the complex dynamics of game development and the delicate balance between commercial success and creative passion.
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