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.
Samira Khan
Samira Khan is a narrative enthusiast with a keen eye for storytelling in games. Her literary approach to game criticism examines themes, character development, and plot structure, earning her a following among gamers who appreciate the art of narrating.
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Comments
It's heartening to see the gaming community rallying around the positive aspects of Tango Gameworks' titles amidst the news of studio closures. The surge of positive reviews for Hi-Fi Rush and The Evil Within games reflects the lasting impact and appreciation for these critically acclaimed titles, proving that their creative and innovative contributions to the industry are not forgotten.
Wow, it's great to see the gaming community come together to support Tango Gameworks in light of Microsoft's studio closures. It's heartening to witness the positive impact of this solidarity, especially with Hi-Fi Rush receiving well-deserved praise and recognition through the surge in positive reviews
Wow, it's great to see the positive outpouring of support for Tango Gameworks amidst the unfortunate studio closures. Hi-Fi Rush's surge in positive reviews speaks volumes about its lasting impact, and it's no surprise that it earned numerous industry awards with its unique gameplay and captivating art style. It's always heartening to witness the gaming community rally behind deserving titles.