Microsoft refutes Hi-Fi Rush failure claims

HI-Fi Rush might be the biggest surprise of 2023 so far, with the Xbox console exclusive game getting announced and released on the same day to great fanfare thanks to its unique gameplay mechanics and punchy art style. Unfortunately, despite its critical success, according to insiders the game did not perform as well as hoped. Microsoft has since come out to refute the claims, calling Hi-Fi Rush “a break out hit for us and our players in all key measurements and expectations.”

Industry insider Jeff Grubb recently claimed during his ‘Game Mess’ podcast that the shadow-dropped Hi-Fi Rush failed to meet expectations, saying “Based on what I've heard, it just didn't make the money it needed to make.”

Following this, another insider (Jez Corden) spoke on the matter, saying “If Xbox is pressuring ZeniMax to deliver sales of its games, maybe it shouldn't put so much emphasis on Xbox Game Pass? What's the goal here?”

With the rumour quickly turning into a talking point, Xbox’s VP of Games Marketing Aaron Greenberg took to Twitter to refute the claims made by Grubb, saying:

“Hi-Fi RUSH was a break out hit for us and our players in all key measurements and expectations. We couldn’t be happier with what the team at Tango Gameworks delivered with this surprise release.”

HI-FI Rush is a unique game with a unique concept executed excellently, and so it is encouraging to see that the game has been deemed a success in the eyes of Microsoft – at least publicly. Hopefully Microsoft continues to fund more creative, unique and niche titles such as Hi-Fi Rush.

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KitGuru says: What do you think of Hi-Fi Rush? Would you like to see more similar games released? What studio would you like to see pursue a passion project? Let us know down below.

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