Hi-Fi Rush
News, coverage and analysis tracking Hi-Fi Rush across the outlets.
Latest coverage
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 safe
Xbox 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, then
Microsoft 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 spinoff
Microsoft 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 | TAG
This 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 Review
Dead 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 cuts
New 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 releases
Xbox 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 Direct
Speculation 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 shows
Xbox 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 ENTERTAINMENT
PUBG: 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 | TAG
This 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 heart
Dead 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 releases
This 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.
I got to play Dead as Disco early, and it's a vivid, unrestrained romp that lets you brawl through music videos…
Dead as Disco is a vibrant rhythm action beat 'em up that blends brawling with music video aesthetics, similar to Hi-Fi Rush. Players control Charlie Disco, who must reassemble his fractured band and fight through stylized levels to the beat of original music. The game features impressive visuals inspired by comic books and Max Headroom, with dynamic boss fights and a promising story about fame, though some early access wrinkles are still present.
12 Games You Can Actually Finish Under 30 Hours (2026) | TAG
This article highlights 12 games that can be completed in under 30 hours, with many falling under 10 hours, emphasizing that their short length is by design rather than due to cut content. The list includes titles like A Short Hike, Firewatch, Stray, and Outer Wilds, categorized by playtime and offering a solution for players struggling with large backlogs.
Xbox Cutting Game Pass and Pulling Call of Duty Is Finally Honest
Xbox has reduced the price of Game Pass Ultimate and will no longer offer day-one access to future Call of Duty titles, a move described as the most honest statement from the company in years. This shift acknowledges that the previous pricing and strategy were unsustainable, particularly after the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The company is also scaling back its hardware ambitions and focusing on becoming a multi-platform publisher.
Xbox Is Flip-Flopping on PS5 Again, and It's Truly Getting Tiring
Xbox is reportedly re-evaluating its strategy regarding releasing games on PlayStation 5, a move that has become a recurring and tiring cycle for the company. Despite past commitments to broader platform availability and statements from executives like Phil Spencer and Satya Nadella, the debate over exclusivity continues to resurface. This constant back-and-forth creates uncertainty and fatigue among players and observers alike.
Rumour: Xbox Debating Whether to Make Its Games Exclusive Again
Microsoft is reportedly debating whether to revert to making its games exclusive to Xbox consoles and PC. This internal discussion comes as the company evaluates its brand strategy and the potential launch of 'Project Helix'. While releasing games on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch has increased revenue, executives are considering the impact of exclusivity on their own platform's appeal.
