Hi-Fi Rush is getting positively review bombed on Steam after Microsoft killed its studio: “At least they went out with a bang”
Following Microsoft’s closure of Tango Gameworks, Hi-Fi Rush fans are showing their support for the studio.
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What you need to know
Earlier this week,Microsoft shut down three Xbox Game Studios developers and absorbed a fourth into ZeniMax Online Studios, laying off many employees in the process and exacerbating a devastating trend of cuts across the industry. The decisiondrew heavy criticism from developersand fans alike, especially since the Xbox firmalreadylaid off 1,900 workers in its gaming divisiona few months ago in January.
One of the studios closed was Tango Gameworks, the team known for The Evil Within, Ghostwire: Tokyo, and — most recently —Hi-Fi Rush, a shadow-dropped 2023 rhythm action game that garnered widespread acclaim and won several industry awards. According to Xbox’s own marketing vice president Aaron Greenberg, the title “was a break out hit for us and our players in all key measurements and expectations,” which made the shuttering of the developer all the more shocking.
In a show of support for the studio, Hi-Fi Rush players on Steam have begun a “positive review bombing” campaign, with 700 positive reviews and counting posted in the last three days. Most of the reviews thank Tango Gameworks for creating what is widely viewed as one of thebest Xbox gamesandbest PC gamesof 2023, while simultaneously lambasting Microsoft and its choice to kill the developer.
“RIP Tango Gameworks. At least they went out with a bang,“wrotereviewer MysteryMii. “Thank you Tango Gameworks for this wonderful game! Had so much fun when came out, the visuals, the gameplay, the killer beat, is hope to 100% finish it for the great work you did,“saidDraugurPhoenix before adding, “Thank you for nothing Microsoft.”
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“Hi Fi Rush was the best game Xbox published in over a decade, it won awards and was beloved by everyone. Microsofts answer is to shut them down, and it’s crap,“wroteKillianCU. “I fear because of the licensed music it will get delisted in the future because MS clearly doesn’t care. Tango, Arkane Austin and everyone affected today didn’t deserve this.”
Microsoft Gaming head of game content and studios Matt Booty said in an email to staff seen by Windows Central that Tuesday’s “reprioritization of titles and resources” was necessary, with aBloombergreport revealing he also commented that ZeniMax leadership was spread too thin like “peanut butter on bread” in a town hall meeting (when asked about shutting down Tango,Xbox president Sarah Bond didn’t really answer the question). Most still condemn the closures, however, with many pointing towardsMicrosoft soaring past earnings expectationswith a $21.9 billion net income in the last quarter and itsstatus as the most valuable company in the world.
Analysis: Thank you, Tango Gameworks
Ultimately, what occurred earlier this week was horrible no matter how Microsoft tries to explain or justify it, but I am at least glad to see a large outpouring of support for Hi-Fi Rush and Tango Gameworks. The developers that made up that studio created some truly wonderful games, and my heart — as well as the hearts of everyone here at Windows Central — go out to everyone who was affected by this week’s cuts and any others. I hope everyone from Tango, Arkane Austin, and Alpha Dog Games is able to find a new position elsewhere.
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It should go without saying, but you should absolutely play Hi-Fi Rush if you haven’t yet done so. It’s playable on Xbox and PC through Xbox or PC Game Pass, respectively (or both withXbox Game Pass Ultimate), and also $10 off to buy on Xbox right now. It’s available on Steam and PS5, too, and you can get the Steam version for $11.99 (its MSRP is $29.99) along with several other games by signing up for a Humble Choice membership in May.
Additionally,Hi-Fi Rush is still getting physical copies despite Tango Gameworks' closure, though it’s not yet known when these will actually come to market. Still, keep an eye onLimited Run Games' Twitter (X) pageif you’re interested, as that’s where the latest developments on that front will be shared by the physical games publisher.
Humble Choice |$11.99/mo at Humble
Right now, Hi-Fi Rush is one of Humble Choice’s included games, meaning you can get it and several other PC games for just $11.99 right now. Members get permanent access to new batches of games every month, and you can skip a month or cancel at any time.
See Hi-Fi Rush at:GMG (Steam)|Xbox|PlayStation
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).
