Microsoft “needs” award-winning smaller games, then shuts down Hi-Fi Rush developer
The recent news of Microsoft shutting down Tango Gameworks, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Hi-Fi Rush, has the gaming community confused. Here was a studio seemingly on fire, delivering a vibrant, stylish action game that resonated with players and critics alike. Hi-Fi Rush wasn’t just a darling of reviewers, it found commercial success too. So, the question everyone’s asking is: why pull the plug right after a win?
We Want More… But Not That?
Microsoft’s statement throws even more gasoline on the confusion fire. Their desire for more games like Hi-Fi Rush leaves gamers scratching their heads. Social media, particularly platforms like Reddit, are exploding with a mix of bewilderment and mockery directed at Microsoft’s seemingly nonsensical decision.
“We need smaller games that give us prestige and awards.”
– Matt Booty (Xbox Game Studios Head) via The Verge
“I’m literally the guy in the pic” energy – Reddit
- Comments like “We want games like that one, but not that one specifically” perfectly capture the absurdity. It’s like Microsoft wants the delicious cake Tango Gameworks baked, but without the talented team who made it all possible.
- Others are resorting to humor to cope, using analogies like “I want to date someone like you, but not you” to highlight the disconnect between Microsoft’s desire for similar games and their willingness to discard the very studio that delivered it.
Short-Sighted Move?
The truth is, Microsoft’s actions raise serious questions about their grasp on the game development landscape. Was Hi-Fi Rush a lucky shot, or a sign of a revitalized Tango Gameworks? Shutting them down suggests a short-sighted approach, prioritizing immediate results over nurturing talent and fostering creative visions within their studios.
This move not only leaves a talented team in the lurch but also sends a chilling message to other developers under the Xbox umbrella. Will their success be a guarantee of job security or a potential death knell? The dust is still settling from this confusing situation. One thing’s clear: Microsoft has a lot of explaining to do, not just to gamers, but perhaps more importantly, to their development teams, if they want to regain the trust of the gaming community.
Courtesy of Wikipedia
JC Paredes
Since March 2021, I've worn two hats at Spiel Times: a writer and a Managing Editor. In my writing role, I've earned recognition from Wikipedia and Nev Schulman (Catfish TV Show host) for my insightful analysis and engaging narrative style. I'm passionate about all things gaming, with a keen eye for detail and a knack for uncovering hidden secrets within games. My gaming journey began at a young age, captivated by titles like Resident Evil and Tomb Raider. Today, I enjoy exploring open-world RPGs and MMORPGs, consumed by their lore and crafting theories about their narratives. I'm also drawn to the suspenseful atmosphere of horror games and the intricate narratives of crime-themed titles, bringing a unique perspective to my writing. Beyond gaming, I have a fascination with anything unexplained and chilling, a passion that often spills over into my exploration of horror games. When I'm not engrossed in a virtual world, you can find me curled up and spending time with my adorable doggy sidekick, Teemo. As Managing Editor, I'm committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for our writing team. I communicate openly with my team members, addressing any content-related issues and providing guidance to help them excel.
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