HI-FI-RUSH and THE EVIL WITHIN review bombed on Steam after Tango Gameworks closure

Tango Gameworks' titles Hi-Fi Rush, The Evil Within, and The Evil Within 2 are experiencing an unusual trend on Steam where they are being "positively" review bombed by users. Review bombing typically carries a negative connotation, with players expressing their dissatisfaction en masse for various reasons. However, in this rare instance, the Steam community is rallying to show support in light of news regarding Microsoft's closure of several studios, including Tango Gameworks. Hi-Fi Rush, which received critical acclaim and was one of the top games of 2023, winning numerous industry awards, has seen a significant boost in positive reviews, adding to its already Overwhelmingly Positive rating. Similarly, The Evil Within games have also received a surge of "Very Positive" reviews.

The closures stem from Microsoft's decision to "increase investment" in certain aspects of their portfolio and "focus on priority games," as explained by Matt Booty, head of Xbox Game Studios. This strategy aligns with his later comments about the company's preference for "smaller games that give us prestige and awards," evidenced by the success of Hi-Fi Rush.

In other news, alongside Tango Gameworks, studios such as Arkane Austin, Alpha Dog Games, and Roundhouse Games have been shut down by Microsoft as part of their reallocation of resources and reprioritization of titles. This move indicates a broader shift in gaming industry trends, with a potential move towards investing in smaller, but more critically successful games.

What awards did Hi-Fi Rush win, and how did it become one of the top games of 2023?

Hi-Fi Rush received critical acclaim upon its release, garnering a multitude of industry awards throughout 2023. Its engaging gameplay, distinctive art style, and innovative rhythm-based mechanics contributed to its success as one of the year's standout titles.

Hi-Fi Rush was developed by Tango Gameworks, known for their previous work on The Evil Within series. The studio was founded by famed game designer Shinji Mikami, known as the creator of the Resident Evil series. With a focus on bringing new and creative experiences to the gaming world, Tango Gameworks has been recognized for their unique approach to game design. Hi-Fi Rush is a testament to this, blending colorful visuals with rhythmic combat and platforming to create an award-winning experience that resonates with both players and critics alike.