After studio shutdown, Hi-Fi Rush devs release final update with patch notes: “Thanks for all your support, and keep on rocking”
One last update for the critically acclaimed 2023 rhythm action game.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
What you need to know
A little over a week afterMicrosoft announced the closure of three Xbox Game Studios developers— including Tango Gameworks, the team behindHi-Fi Rush— the studio has confirmed on X (Twitter) that it’s still committed to working with Limited Run Games on a physical release of the 2023 rhythm action title. Additionally, it also said Hi-Fi Rush is getting a final update to address some “minor issues,” which has now been released publicly.
“Thank you all for your continued support,“wrotethe developer in a post. “We’re working to release the physical edition of Hi-Fi Rush with our partners at Limited Run Games, as well as a final patch to address some minor issues releasing later today.” The update was then pushed live about an hour later alongside anothermessagethanking players for their support and encouraging them to “keep on rocking!”
You’ll find the full patch notes towards the end of this article, but none of the changes are really worthy of specific mention. As the developers said in the update’s summary, they’re all bug fixes for “minor issues” across the Xbox, PS5, and PC versions of the game.
Notably, the physical edition announcement lines up withLimited Run Games' from a few days ago, in which the distributor reaffirmed its intent to release the physical copies of Hi-Fi Rush that werefirst announced in Februaryfor the Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. Founded in 2015, the company is known for working with game studios to create and sell physical versions of games in limited quantities.
•Best Xbox / PC headsets in 2024•Best upcoming Xbox/PC games•Best Xbox controllers•Best Xbox accessories•Best small gaming PCs•Best gaming laptops in 2024
Given that Microsoft’s vice president of Xbox games marketing Aaron GreenbergsaidHi-Fi Rush was “was a break out hit for us and our players in all key measurements and expectations,” the firm’s decision to shutter Tango Gameworks last week was very surprising. It was also strongly criticized by fans and developers alike, with many pointing to Microsoft’sstrong financial performanceandstatus as the world’s most valuable company.
Microsoft Gaming president of game content and studios Matt Booty said in an email to staff that the “reprioritization of titles and resources” came after the company looked “across the business” to “identify the opportunities that are best positioned for success.” A later report fromBloombergnoted Booty also said ZeniMax leadership was spread too thin, and that the shutdown of Tango Gameworks and other studios would help free up resources to be used elsewhere.Xbox president Sarah Bond was quizzed on the closure of Tango, but she didn’t directly answer the question.
Overall, I’m glad that Hi-Fi Rush has gotten one last patch, and it’s great to hear another confirmation that the planned physical edition is still on the way — after all, there’s concern that the game will eventually be delisted from digital storefronts since it uses licensed music and the developers that could have replaced it with in-house tracks have been cut. Still, it’s hard to feel excited knowing that the studio behind the game has been shut down forever.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
Even so, Hi-Fi Rush stands tall as one of 2023’sbest Xbox gamesandbest PC games, and if you’re into rhythm-based mechanics, stylish action gameplay, and rock music, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s available for $29.99 on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5, but you can also play it on Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass. WithXbox Game Pass Ultimate, you’ll get access to it on both Xbox and PC, as well as on mobile and other compatible devices viaXbox Cloud Gaming.
Hi-Fi Rush Update 9: Patch notes
Here are the full patch notes for Hi-Fi Rush’s final Update 9 patch, taken directly fromBethesda’s official websitefor the game.
We’ve released a patch today that takes care of some remaining issues.
Check out the changes, and thank you again for your support of Hi-Fi RUSH. You’re all rockstars!
PATCH NOTES
PLAYSTATION 5 AND PC
PLAYSTATION 5
ALL PLATFORMS
Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he’s been an avid fan since childhood. He’s been writing for Team WC since the summer of 2017, and you’ll find him doing news, editorials, reviews, and general coverage on everything gaming, Xbox, and Windows PC. His favorite game of all time is probably NieR: Automata, though Elden Ring, Fallout: New Vegas, and Team Fortress 2 are in the running, too. When he’s not writing or gaming, there’s a good chance he’s either watching an interesting new movie or TV show or actually going outside for once.Follow him on X(Twitter).
