During the 2023 Xbox Developer_Direct event, Microsoft and Bethesda Softworks dropped a delightful surprise on their fans with the announcement and immediate release of Hi-Fi Rush. This new title from Tango Gameworks, the first Japanese studio under Xbox, is a third-person hack-and-slash game that stands out with its vibrant, cartoony style and a fantastic soundtrack. While it may share similarities with titles like Devil May Cry and Bayonetta, Hi-Fi Rush carves its niche with an innovative, rhythm-based combat system that encourages players to sync their attacks with the music’s beat.
Previously known for their work in horror games, including The Evil Within, it was quite a twist to see Tango Gameworks venture into such brightly colored territory. Despite stepping into a new genre, the game achieved critical acclaim. Both fans and critics praised Hi-Fi Rush, even hailing it as a standout Xbox release of the decade. However, there’s been a mix of opinions regarding its commercial success. If the reports of underwhelming sales hold true, it might be wise for a sequel, should it come to fruition, to avoid the surprise launch tactic.
In an unexpected turn in February 2023, after the departure of Tango Gameworks founder Shinji Mikami, Bethesda’s Todd Vaughn described Hi-Fi Rush as a significant success in an internal email, highlighting how it was one of Bethesda and Xbox’s most successful launches in recent years. Following this, Microsoft revealed that the game had reached over 2 million players on Xbox Series X/S and PC. While not the colossal numbers seen with some AAA titles, these figures were commendable for a shadow-dropped release.
It’s important to note that Hi-Fi Rush was made available on Xbox Game Pass right from day one, meaning the player count didn’t directly translate to sales. This seemed to spark skepticism over whether it truly achieved its financial goals. In April 2023, industry insider Jeff Grubb claimed Hi-Fi Rush hadn’t met the expected revenue, prompting Xbox’s Aaron Greenberg to counter that it was a breakout hit by all important metrics. However, the matter was further complicated in May when Microsoft announced the closure of Tango Gameworks and other Bethesda studios.
Fortunately, this wasn’t the end for Tango Gameworks or Hi-Fi Rush. They found a new home with South Korean publisher Krafton in August 2024. Yet, the decision to originally close the studio suggests Hi-Fi Rush might not have lived up to its potential. The stealthy release, while thrilling, probably impacted its sales. Even when it launched on PlayStation 5 earlier this year, it didn’t generate much buzz.
Looking ahead to a possible sequel, it’s crucial for Krafton and Tango Gameworks to avoid repeating the stealth-release strategy. Krafton CEO Changhan Kim mentioned in an interview that although he doesn’t expect Hi-Fi Rush 2 to be a moneymaker, he’s still intrigued by the idea. If a follow-up is indeed developed, it will need a robust marketing campaign to ensure its success and resonate well with audiences.
It’s clear that Hi-Fi Rush, with its unique blend of rhythm and action, has struck a chord with many. Yet, to capitalize on this momentum in the future, a solid promotional push could help ensure any sequel doesn’t just win critical hearts but also achieves the commercial success it deserves.
