The closure of Tango Gameworks sends an unintended message: the Xbox platform is no longer the place for fans of Japanese games.
This event highlights Xbox's long-standing problems with the Japanese market, where the brand has never been a choice for gamers.
Xbox 360, despite being the best-selling console brand in Japan, was still far behind its competitors. Many Japanese games never came to Xbox, and some were exclusive to Sony consoles.
Japan has played a key role in the development of video games as a hobby, and its influence on global markets is undeniable. Despite this, Xbox has never been home to “games from Japan.” The decision to close Tango Gameworks may have deeper reasons, such as internal deals or restructuring plans, but for Japanese game fans, it's another sign that their favorite games will never come to Microsoft consoles.
The closure of Tango Gameworks is a loss not only for Xbox, but also for the gaming community that values Japanese traditions and unique games. This event could be a turning point for Xbox, which will now have to face the consequences of its decisions and find a way to restore trust among Japanese gaming fans.
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Cover author: Xbox. Cover source: VG247