Closure of Hi-Fi Rush Developer Tango Gameworks Sparks Industry Shock and Fan Tributes

Enthusiasts of Hi-Fi Rush are lamenting the shutdown of its production studio in spite of its widespread praise and vast player base, questioning the future prospects in the industry. Tributes are being made to Hi-Fi Rush as Tango Gameworks closed its doors permanently, a decision made by Microsoft.

On May 7, the shocking announcement that Microsoft would be ceasing operations at Tango Gameworks, along with three other studios under the Bethesda umbrella, was made. This abrupt decision comes just a year after Hi-Fi Rush was lauded as an unexpected success by Xbox officials, leaving many to wonder about the sudden shift that resulted in numerous layoffs.

Currently, the Hi-Fi Rush community is uniting to commemorate the achievements of Tango Gameworks through their action-packed game. Just one glance at Twitter reveals several outstanding pieces of fan art, showcasing the deep connection and inspiration drawn from Hi-Fi Rush by its fans.

Additionally, some have highlighted the stark contrast between the game's themes and the fate of its developer. With a narrative centered around battling against oppressive corporate entities, the closure of Tango Gameworks by Microsoft seems ironically fitting, echoing the game's cautionary tales against big corporations.

Further, many are using the game's critical success as evidence of the decision's folly. Notably, a tweet mentions Hi-Fi Rush's achievement of winning a Game Award, a BAFTA, and numerous accolades from various publications in 2023 as proof of its unwarranted discontinuation.

Shinji Mikami, the mind behind Resident Evil and founder of Tango, expressed his dismay over the studio's fate, having left the company he founded just a year prior in February 2023. Responses from the developers present at Tango until its last day also surfaced, sharing their thoughts on the closure.

Additionally, the director known for Marvel’s Blade and Deathloop has described Microsoft's shuttering of their sibling studio Arkane Austin as a deeply upsetting move.