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The recent closure of multiple Xbox studios, including the critically acclaimed Tango Gameworks, developer of 2023’s belovedHi-Fi Rush, has leveled an unprecedented amount of outrage towards Microsoft from the games industry at large.
However, what made it worse was the trillion-dollar company’s executives internally telling development teams that they want “smaller games” that bring “prestige and awards” to the company, right after shuttering those four studios. Here’s why this extraneous pursuit will lead to even more studio closures within Xbox.
Xbox’s Demands Go Against Its Actions
Over the past few years,Xbox has been on a spending spreeof close to $100 billion. The platform holder has acquired extremely famous names in the industry like Blizzard, Bethesda, Activision, id Software, and many more. Xbox claimed that it wanted to acquire them to give them 100% creative freedom, but it appears to have been a devious land grab for famous IPs.
Hi-Fi Rush, a surprise hit from Tango, is a prime example of this. It was a delightful, critically-acclaimed gem which, according to Microsoft, exceeded Xbox’s internal success metrics, yet the studio that birthed it was still deemed expendable and ultimately shut down.
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What makes it even more ironic is thatHi-Fi Rushwas the perfect representation of the aforementioned executives’ comments. It was a short and sweet experience that resonated brilliantly with players and went on to earn several nominations and awards throughout the rest of 2023, yet it wasn’t enough tosave Tango from being axed entirely.
IfHi-Fi Rush‘s incredible success wasn’t enough for Microsoft, then how can other Xbox teams not be terrified of the future reception of their games? What ifAvowed, which is set to release later this year, is met with middling reviews? Would Microsoft put Obsidian on the chopping board for not bringing the company the “prestige and awards” it so craves?
Hi-Fi RushFans Are Sending A Clear Message To Microsoft
If we were to go by Microsoft’s words, then no studio that isn’t working on blockbuster IPs likeCall of DutyandElder Scrollsis safe, and with recent reports alleging that Xbox will reportedly cut more jobs, everyone is seemingly bracing for impact as the organization trims itself to the bone, and then some.
“Bye Xbox”: Xbox’s Betrayal Forces Players to Jump Ship to PlayStation – The Console Wars are Over
The closure of Tango Gameworks, though, has deeply saddened and confused many. In honor of the Shinji Mikami-founded studio closing its doors, several fans are deploying a tactic that was also used after Sony reversed course on its decision to implement mandatory PSN linking forHelldivers 2: reverse review bombing.
Hi-Fi Rush‘s Steam page isbeing bombarded with positive reviewsby fans as a sort-of last rites ceremony for Tango, while also conveying the message of wanting more such games to Microsoft. Ultimately, it’s the talent, the passion behind the games, that truly matters, but the trillion-dollar company’s recent actions suggest otherwise.
The positive review bombing speaks to the massive community rallying behind the studios Microsoft cast aside. It stands in stark contrast to the corporate PR speak about “prioritization” and “difficult decisions.” The truth is, these decisions prioritize profits over passion, and the studios are merely collateral damage.
“Bethesda remains one of the key pillars of Xbox”: After Gutting Their Recent Acquisition, Microsoft Insist They’re Still Fully Behind the Fallout and Starfield Dev
Microsoft has still not given an official reason as to why it shut down those four studios, but theinternal emails from Xbox Games Studios head Matt Bootysuggest an increased focus on the more popular IPs the company owns. If Xbox turns out to just be a yearlyCoDmachine, then the Activision Blizzard deal may have been the one move that entirely kills the brand.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Content Writer
Articles Published :247
A lifelong gamer, lover of cars, and Master’s student of Automotive Journalism, Viraaj Bhatnagar is a gaming writer at FandomWire who aims to be one of the greats. When he’s not hunched over on his laptop typing out copy, he can be found lapping circuits in Gran Turismo or slaying draugr in God of War.
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Hi-Fi RushMicrosoftTango GameworksXbox
