Microsoft shuts down Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks

Tango Gameworks will update Hi-Fi Rush one last time before Microsoft closes the studio's doors. Microsoft announced earlier in May that it was closing three studios, including Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks. Shortly after the news of the closures, Tango Gameworks confirmed that the game will "remain available and playable everywhere" and it is already available.

The final patch is expected to fix "minor issues" in Hi-Fi Rush, and will be distributed later on Wednesday. Tango Gameworks will continue to work in partnership with Limited Run Games to release the physical version of the game. "Thank you for your continued support," Tango Gameworks wrote from its X account.

Microsoft's decision to close Tango Gameworks came as a surprise to many in the industry; the surprise Japanese studio launched the game early last year to critical and – what appeared to be – commercial success. Xbox marketing director Aaron Greenberg wrote at X in April 2023 that Hi-Fi Rush was "a breakout hit" in "all key metrics and expectations" at Microsoft. Just a day after the closure was announced, Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty told staff that Microsoft needed "smaller games that give us prestige and accolades" — a message that surprised employees, according to The Verge, because Hi-Fi Rush is just that . Hi-Fi Rush had 3 million players and won tons of awards, including a prestigious BAFTA win for its animation.