Hi-Fi Rush
News, coverage and analysis tracking Hi-Fi Rush across the outlets.- The $69 Billion Hangover: Every Xbox Layoff Since The Activision Blizzard MergerMicrosoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion has been followed by significant layoffs and studio closures within its Xbox division. These cuts, described by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma as a "reset" due to an unhealthy business, have impacted thousands of employees and led to the cancellation of several game projects across various studios since January 2024.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 3: Steam Summer Sale continuesThe Steam Summer Sale and other PC gaming storefronts are offering numerous deals on a wide variety of titles. This includes discounts on major releases, indie games, and bundles across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Bundle. Several retailers are participating, with prices and availability varying.
'I cannot do my job when Microsoft refuses to do theirs', say Xbox union workers as destructive reset looms from a company that spent over $80 billion on AI last yearUnionized workers at Microsoft and its subsidiaries are speaking out against the company's pattern of layoffs and studio closures, despite significant investments in AI and high executive pay. Employees express frustration over job insecurity, feeling expendable despite hard work and successful projects. They argue that Microsoft has the financial resources to protect its workforce, citing billions invested in AI and recent console price increases, and are demanding better treatment and transparency.
Weekend PC Download Deals for June 19: GOG.com Summer SaleThis weekend's PC gaming deals include GOG.com's Summer Sale featuring discounts on titles like Hollow Knight Silksong and Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition. Steam and Epic Games Store also have various sales, with free games available on Epic Games Store and Amazon Luna. Humble Bundle offers several game bundles for different price tiers.
Xbox’s Biggest Problems May Still Be AheadXbox is facing significant internal challenges despite a recent showcase of upcoming games like Gears of War: E-Day. CEO Asha Sharma admitted to substantial financial losses and poor investment returns over the past five years, citing issues with funding franchises and inadequate infrastructure. Reports suggest impending layoffs and potential restructuring, including spinning off Xbox as a subsidiary or forming joint ventures, as Microsoft seeks to make its gaming division a sustainable business.
Dev releases one of the year's best shooters, entire team is laid off less than a month later: "A decision that was completely outside of our control"Kwalee Labs has laid off its entire development team and shut down the studio less than a month after releasing its well-received cosmic horror bullet hell shooter, Luna Abyss. Despite positive reviews and critical acclaim, studio CEO Hollie Emery stated the decision was outside of their control. This follows a trend of successful games not guaranteeing studio survival, with the closure of Tango Gameworks after Hi-Fi Rush's release also noted.
Xbox to shut down at least three game developers and no one is safeXbox is reportedly planning to shut down at least three game development studios, including Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine, as part of a broader 'reset' and layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division. Ninja Theory is reportedly seeking a new buyer, while Compulsion Games and Double Fine are in negotiations to become independent. This follows previous studio closures and layoffs at Xbox, such as Tango Gameworks and The Initiative.
Double Fine, Ninja Theory reportedly among multiple Xbox studios rushing to negotiate an exit as Microsoft plans more…Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning further studio closures and restructuring, with Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion Games in negotiations to spin off independently. New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty have indicated the current business model is unsustainable, leading to expected layoffs and studio cuts, following the recent closure of Tango Gameworks.
As Xbox eyes layoffs, Microsoft's CEO says its videogames aren't monetised enough—so it's not the cancelled games or $68.7 billion deals or AI overspending, thenMicrosoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that the company's video games are not sufficiently monetized, suggesting this is the core issue rather than cancelled projects or large acquisitions. This comes amid layoffs at Xbox, with Xbox CEO Asha Sharma calling for a "reset" to better meet fan expectations. The article also touches on the rising costs of game development and the industry's struggle to find sustainable monetization models.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox must become 'sustainable' as it reportedly considers major spinoffMicrosoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that Xbox must become a 'sustainable' business, implying it has been subsidized rather than profitable. This follows reports that Microsoft is considering spinning out Xbox into a standalone unit, potentially to sell it or find a partner. The company also aims to speed up development for major franchises like Halo and The Elder Scrolls, while addressing challenges like memory chip price increases driven by AI companies.- What to Play Before GTA 6: 12 Backlog Clearers | TAGThis guide suggests games to play before the eventual launch of Grand Theft Auto 6, estimated for late 2026 or early 2027. It recommends clearing backlog titles like Red Dead Redemption 2, Cyberpunk 2077, and Elden Ring, which require significant time commitments. Shorter games such as Hi-Fi Rush and Mafia: Definitive Edition are also suggested for completion within the pre-GTA 6 window.
Dead As Disco Early Access ReviewDead As Disco is an Early Access rhythm combat beat 'em up where players control Charlie Disco, who must defeat his former bandmates. The game integrates music into its combat system, rewarding players for timing attacks to the beat. While the current offering is light on content, the core gameplay is strong, with satisfying combat and a unique integration of music.
"We have found ourselves over extended", new Xbox CEO says amid reports of plans for major job cutsNew Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and head of Xbox Game Studios Matt Booty are reportedly planning significant job cuts across the gaming division. Sharma cited declining revenues despite substantial investments and rising component costs as reasons for a business 'reset'. The planned layoffs follow Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard King and come amid reports of internal questioning regarding the company's broad strategy and complex infrastructure.
Xbox's Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are not timed exclusives, as PlayStation 5 misses out on upcoming releasesXbox has confirmed that upcoming titles Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution will be exclusive to the Xbox platform and will not be released on PlayStation 5. This decision comes as part of Xbox's renewed focus on console exclusives under new CEO Asha Sharma, despite recent multiplatform releases like Grounded and Sea of Thieves.
Predictions for a potential June 2026 Nintendo DirectSpeculation is high for a Nintendo Direct in June 2026, following a period of infrequent announcements. Rumors suggest potential remakes of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Kirby: Planet Robobot, alongside new content for Pikmin 4 and Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Third-party titles like Minecraft and Monster Hunter Wilds are also rumored for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Xbox CEO says they are reconsidering showing other platform logos at showsXbox CEO Phil Spencer has indicated that the company is reconsidering its strategy regarding the display of other platform logos at the end of game trailers. This discussion comes as Microsoft continues to expand its first-party game releases to competing platforms like the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.- PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS LAUNCHES “PAYDAY” CO-OP HEIST MODE IN COLLABORATION WITH STARBREEZE ENTERTAINMENTPUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS has launched a new limited-time PvE mode called "PAYDAY," developed in collaboration with Starbreeze Entertainment. This four-player co-op experience, available on PC and consoles, features class-based gameplay and heist missions inspired by the PAYDAY franchise. The update also includes a new Event Pass with PAYDAY-themed cosmetics.
Marvel Rivals Is Not for You: 6 Solo Hero Games | TAGThis article argues that Marvel Rivals, a 6v6 hero shooter, is not suitable for solo players due to matchmaking and team dependency issues. It recommends six alternative single-player games that offer superhero fantasy, combat, or roster variety, including Marvel's Spider-Man 2, Marvel's Midnight Suns, Hi-Fi Rush, Control, Gotham Knights, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
Dead as Disco is out in early access to fill the Hi-Fi Rush and, weirdly, Batman: Arkham series shaped hole in your heartDead as Disco, an action rhythm game developed by Brain Jar Games, has been released in early access on PC. The game features combat that requires players to time their attacks to the background music, drawing comparisons to both Hi-Fi Rush and the Batman: Arkham series. It also includes an editor for players to map their own music.
Choose between Buddhist Star Trek, rad vinyl music, and forest fire deathgames in the latest PC releasesThis week's PC game releases include a variety of genres, from a Buddhist-themed engineering puzzler called U.V.S. Nirmana to a forest fire-themed deathgame called Arsonate. Other notable titles include the music nostalgia game Wax Heads, the dancefloor brawler Dead as Disco, and the city-builder Amberspire.