Current Events > MS closes Hi Fi Rush studio

(+) Yeah! (+)

Microsoft keeps shooting themselves in the foot.

But watch, someone will defend this.

ChrisTaka posted...

Oh yeah, wasn't the game literally released like the same day it was revealed?

I guess that's the downside of not letting a game build up hype

It was one of the rare cases where a shadow drop actually did give it a ton of buzz. But as someone else pointed out, its likely that it was mostly GamePass players that played it (myself included, though I ended up buying it on Steam later once I cancelled my GP)

So gutted. They were a great up and coming studio.

Shuttered:

Tango Gameworks
Arkane Austin
Alpha Dog Studios

Absorbed:

Roundhouse Games (absorbed into ZeniMax Online Studios)

Guess that rumored Switch port of Hi-Fi Rush is dead in the water....

epik_fail1 posted...

Didn't Hi fi rush do fairly well? I feel like they shut down the studio when they were getting more and more brand recognition. That's dumb. Some franchises like Persona used to be niche and it sells tons of copies now

Yep we actually have a good deal of video game franchises throughout gaming history that managed to succeed after years of either legit bad sales, or just years of so-so/average sales. All it takes most of the time is for the IP holder to just not give up and possibly try again. Try harder with advertising, or trying out new strategies like letting social media influencors hype a game for you if it actually is a good game.

It always did pretty good in japan, but I bet a ton of younger gamers just do not know or remember just how small time IPs like yakuza, persona, fire emblem (hell we didn't even get a single one of these until marth and roy showing up in melee (who were stupid close to getting cut for all versions of the game out of japan) and their popularity with their character usage caused people to wonder about the game series they came from) or the big one final fantasy used to be. Hi-fi rush with it's one single game had a nice start all things considered, but nah its not some kinda' fortnite success right out the gate it ain't worth keeping around, =/ Just mad short-sighted/want that blockbuster success NOW instead of leaving that sucker in the pressure cooker for maximum tenderness, lol.

*Actually kind of pisses me off how bandai-namco treats the tales of series. This series actually had a few moments where it could have popped off (post symphonia, post vesperia, xillia 1's surprisingly good sales when it got localized, arise's success) outside of japan but with each moment of surprisingly good sales bandai-namco just sort of.....picks their noses and do nothing. No new ports, no quick collections, not a damn thing.

Better believe when final fantasy 7 blew up on the PS1 square was quick to make a ton of ports, small collections like the anthology and origins PS1 release, actually set up a EU branch so they can start getting final fantasy and other squaresoft games like with north america period, made a damn movie (which admittedly failed, but hey its the thought that counts lol) etc. Atlus/sega was quick to push with persona and yakuza when they finally popped off, nintendo does the same with fire emblem and xenoblade, but here is bandai-namco.......being bamco. Just had to rant real quick, lol.*

Bandai Namco doesn't do anything with Tales because they discovered they could reuse old assets in gachas that shutter in a year or less for 10000x the profit margins.

Arkane Austin is sad because they made some gems just to have a live service game they didn't want to do forced on them and then fail.

But Tango is baffling. Microsoft very clearly wants to make Gamepass a big thing and they do that by making a lot of games day one available on it. That makes sense. But if you are doing that you have to reframe how you view the games you are Day One-ing. They are no longer business designed to generate revenue, but cost centers for Gamepass. That's also okay. What is not okay is to essentially make something a cost center and then judge it like it's a revenue generating business, because it will always fail.

Compsognathus posted...

Arkane Austin is sad because they made some gems just to have a live service game they didn't want to do forced on them and then fail.

The only games Arkane Austin made were Prey 2017 and Redfall. The parent company that made Dishonored is still active.

ssb_yunglink2 posted...

Microsoft is one of, if not the the largest company in gaming. This wasnt a shutdown out of necessity, its greed

Society has collectively decided that greed IS necessary. For all we preach about the virtues of caring for others and how money isn't everything, we've spent many decades tuning our systems to make sure that the greedy choice is always the "correct" one.

Such a sad day for gamers. HI-Fi, Ghostwire and Evil Within were all great IMO.

I hope these talented folks find new homes soon, for their sakes and so we can play more of their excellent work.

It's silly to say Austin didn't work on the first Dishonored, Arkane wasn't even split then, Austin 100% some of Dishonored's crew in it. Not to mention they made Prey before Raf left. This news is devastating, even with the less-than-stellar direction both Arkane studios have been going in.

Tango is tragic, too. I loved TEW, Ghostwire, and Hi-Fi. Was looking forward to an eventual TEW 3. :/

I cannot believe how a giant corporation like Microsoft simply cannot compete in a market where Sony already claimed the ps5 is both not getting any 1st party support and is also in it's late life stage. The Dreamcast had more and better games in its short lifespan ffs, it'll also be more fondly remembered than the current gen.

xlr_big-coop posted...

I cannot believe how a giant corporation like Microsoft simply cannot compete in a market where Sony already claimed the ps5 is both not getting any 1st party support and is also in it's late life stage.

lol wut?

anyway, i hope the physical version of HFR is still going forward. seems like a GREAT idea to get that game on disc as soon as possible...

UnholyMudcrab posted...

I cannot overstate just how bad Phil Spencer is at his job, or just how incompetently he has managed Microsoft for the last decade.

Ms is ok with it tho cuz he is still employed xbox is irrelevant under him

This move was 100% made to make shareholders happy for maximum profitability, because I remember earlier that Microsoft stated they would invest more into Tango Gameworks due to Hi-Fi Rush's success.

Spent 80 Plus billion on 2 studios but lets fire thousands to keep shareholders happy makes no sense

BakonBitz posted...

This move was 100% made to make shareholders happy for maximum profitability, because I remember earlier that Microsoft stated they would invest more into Tango Gameworks due to Hi-Fi Rush's success.

Likely it wasn't Phil Spencer's decision.

xlr_big-coop posted...

I cannot believe how a giant corporation like Microsoft simply cannot compete in a market where Sony already claimed the ps5 is both not getting any 1st party support and is also in it's late life stage. The Dreamcast had more and better games in its short lifespan ffs, it'll also be more fondly remembered than the current gen.

You say this like the Xbox has games also

The PS5 has 11 true console exclusives while the Xbox has zero

hyperpowder posted...

You say this like the Xbox has games also

The PS5 has 11 true console exclusives while the Xbox has zero

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:PlayStation_5-only_games

Like what? A bunch of VR games and demos?

Fenriswolf posted...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:PlayStation_5-only_games

Like what? A bunch of VR games and demos?

hey, they have a wiki-page for that. Can't say the same for Series x...

Fenriswolf posted...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:PlayStation_5-only_games

Like what? A bunch of VR games and demos?

you cant argue if you legit have zero exclusives. The hurr durr PS5 has no games excuse from Xbox fanboys is just dumb. Its basically making fun of yourself to try and win an argument.

CrimsonGear80 posted...

hey, they have a wiki-page for that. Can't say the same for Series x...

As if anyone cares about missing out AAA exclusives like Quantum Error LMAO

https://www.metacritic.com/game/quantum-error/

Fenris commie supporter and xbox fanboy make that make sense

hyperpowder posted...

you cant argue if you legit have zero exclusives. The hurr durr PS5 has no games excuse from Xbox fanboys is just dumb. Its basically making fun of yourself to try and win an argument.

Irrelevant. Sony fanboys are the one bragging about "AAA exclusives" yet all they have left is Spiderman 2. Meanwhile Ratchet and Clank and Horizon 2 are both on PC LMAO.

Fenriswolf posted...

Irrelevant. Sony fanboys are the one bragging about "AAA exclusives" yet all they have left is Spiderman 2. Meanwhile Ratchet and Clank and Horizon 2 are both on PC LMAO.

But what does that have to do with Xbox legit having no exclusives? Again all youre doing is pointing at the other guys flaws while being in a worse situation.

Xbox is legit bringing their games to PS5. Thats how bad of a situation theyre in.

hyperpowder posted...

But what does that have to do with Xbox legit having no exclusives? Again all youre doing is pointing at the other guys flaws while being in a worse situation.

Xbox is legit bringing their games to PS5. Thats how bad of a situation theyre in.

Like what? Three budget games and an old live service game?

It's hilarious how Sony fanboys randomly bring up the Xbox while ignore the fact that Sony themselves are bringing their own first party exclusives to PC, despite bragging about their exclusivity last gen.

How long until they just give up on Xbox period

Axiom posted...

How long until they just give up on Xbox period

probably one more failure and they just move on from xbox

Fenriswolf posted...

Like what? Three budget games and an old live service game?

It's hilarious how Sony fanboys randomly bring up the Xbox while ignore the fact that Sony themselves are bringing their own first party exclusives to PC, despite bragging about their exclusivity last gen.

Again guy listen to me and dont ramble with your fanboy mind. What does any of that have to do with Xbox failing? All youre doing is deflecting to Sony, Microsoft put themselves in this position.

hyperpowder posted...

Again guy listen to me and dont ramble with your fanboy mind. What does any of that have to do with Xbox failing? All youre doing is deflecting to Sony, Microsoft put themselves in this position.

Implying that Sony never closes any of their studios LMAO

https://www.polygon.com/24084509/playstation-layoff-900-workers-feb-2024

Fact remains that even before MS's purchase of Bethesda, they had lots of dead weight and Ghostwire and Deathloop didn't exactly set sales records even when they were PS5 timed exclusives. Bethesda was also the one who greenlit Redfall, which was in development for PS5 around the time the company was bought.

Fuck Microsoft

Fenriswolf posted...

Implying that Sony never closes any of their studios LMAO

Sony closes studios it created, nobody cares.

It's annoying that MS buys studios then closes them, could've just left them the fuck alone in that case.

hyperpowder posted...

you cant argue if you legit have zero exclusives. The hurr durr PS5 has no games excuse from Xbox fanboys is just dumb. Its basically making fun of yourself to try and win an argument.

This is such a weird argument anyway because almost all great xbox games come on ps5 anyway. Gamepass can be great to try new games you do not know you will like or not though

UnholyMudcrab posted...

It didn't actually sell well because most people played it through Gamepass.

And between that and the complete lack of marketing, the poor sales numbers are entirely Microsoft's fault.

Day 1 Gamepass is kinda dumb. But also, they did a good job, so have them work on an IP you think will make more money or something then?

Can we not do this console wars garbage? I feel like we're well past the point where there's any value in arguing over which megacorporation's shit stinks the least. The whole industry is a disaster.

https://twitter.com/aarongreenberg/status/1649431572137779203

Side note, Hi Fi Rush is in the current humble monthly bundle along with Yakuza Like a Dragon.

Tango getting closed is really surprising considering how hyped Hi-Fi Rush was after release.

epik_fail1 posted...

This is such a weird argument anyway because almost all great xbox games come on ps5 anyway. Gamepass can be great to try new games you do not know you will like or not though

Gamepass is great for indie games that have no has heard of and has little following. It's terrible for bigger and AAA games as it can and will cannibalize sales.

Damn, the studio director at Arkane Lyon is not holding back:

https://twitter.com/DBakaba/status/1787839169588265251?t=7jdkKFUFpadgexBVv-bdXQ&s=19

"This is absolutely terrible. Permission to be human: to any executive reading this, friendly reminder that video games are an entertainment/cultural industry, and your business as a corporation is to take care of your artists/entertainers and help them create value for you.

Don't throw us into gold fever gambits, don't use us as strawmen for miscalculations/blind spots, don't make our work environments darwinist jungles. You say we make you proud when we make a good game. Make us proud when times are tough. We know you can, we seen it before.

For now, great teams are sunsetting before our eyes again, and it's a fucking gut stab. Lyon is safe, but please be tactful and discerning about all this, and respect affected folks' voice and leave it room to be heard, it's their story to tell, their feelings to express.

Inside baseball, but if I read "immersive sim curse" from the community, especially from a fellow dev, I swear to God... Please, let's talk about the real challenges instead of rehashing irrational anxieties of the past.

Even more inside baseball, but with a very, very wide range, as a wise and sorely missed man said:
"Please Stop."

Kai_Laguna posted...

Side note, Hi Fi Rush is in the current humble monthly bundle along with Yakuza Like a Dragon.

That's a great bundle. I already own both, but I recommend it as well

Yeah it's the redfall team that closed not the main Arkane studio.

Microsoft doesn't care about making good video games, they are in the business 100% for making corporate money.

How many studios they buy out just close out or become irrelevant? All their games has to be the same cardboard cutout soulless "triple a" type or another fps game like halo.

Not really surprising. Day 1 Gamepass sounds good for consumers but it sucks for sales. I do wonder if future Bethesda games will remain day 1 cause Starfield most likely burnt any goodwill they had left

I just saw a point that Hi-Fi Rush will probably delisted once the license expires for all of the music because they won't be around to patch in the streamer mode tracks. That especially sucks

It's interesting that Nintendo is probably still the one major publisher that is completely developer-friendly, amidst all this news. They're not perfect, but I feel like if...say MonolithSoft was under anybody else, that studio would've been shut down by now.

BakonBitz posted...

It's interesting that Nintendo is probably still the one major publisher that is completely developer-friendly, amidst all this news. They're not perfect, but I feel like if...say MonolithSoft was under anybody else, that studio would've been shut down by now.

There are laws in Japan that prevent this.

Apparently we should all take a moment to think about how hard this is for Phil Spencer during this tough time:
https://twitter.com/Qwik/status/1787914959541911727

modern AAA publishing is so baffling nowadays.

Companies don't seem to understand that they have to release functioning games that people want to play (favoring cancellations, games without audiences, or trend-chasing in already oversaturated niches), or that if you spend so much money on something that your entire install base has to buy 4 copies and a season pass to break even you are -not- going to make a profit (Square and their Sony Exclusivity On Everything) anymore. There are less "midrange" weird experimental games from big studios because the warchest for funding that sort of work has been looted dry for shareholders and executive payouts, which leads to stagnation and limited catalogs.

Fortunately the indie scene is thriving to an absurd degree, there's more impressive "this is our first big project yay" games that pop the hell off than you can shake a stick at almost every other week. Same for a number of industry mainstays that kinda just hover around that level without being bought out (e.g. Capcom, Bamco, and so on)

I'm pretty sure the console wars will come to a decisive end in the near future with the sole remaining options being "Whatever Nintendo's Switch Successor Is" and "Steam Deck".