After Microsoft unexpectedly announced it closed Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks, some wondered whether the previously announced physical version of the game would ever see the light of day. But don't worry — despite Tango Gameworks' closure, Limited Run Games is still planning to release a physical edition of the studio's final project.
Limited Run Games' official X/Twitter account replied to one comment that suggested that the company would not move forward with a physical release of Hi-Fi Rush due to Tango Gamesworks' closure. Limited Run responded that this was not the case and that a physical release "is a go," but no further information, such as a release date, was disclosed.
Did we forget it, though? Unless we say otherwise, Hi-Fi Rush is a go!
— Limited Run Games (@LimitedRunGames) May 9, 2024
Bethesda Softworks confirmed last March that it was teaming up with Limited Run Games to release a physical version of the game. The news was part of a bigger announcement: Xbox announced that four of its once-console exclusives, including Hi-Fi Rush, would be released on other platforms, with Hi-Fi Rush getting ported to PlayStation 5.
Limited Run's confirmation comes as Microsoft has been under scrutiny for closing four Bethesda Studios, including Tango Gameworks and Redfall developer Arkane Austin. Following the news, reports have emerged with new details, such as Tango Gameworks pitching a sequel to Hi-Fi Rush before its closure, as well as information that in a town hall meeting held this week, Xbox executive Matt Booty reportedly told staff that smaller games like Hi-Fi Rush are important, despite it closing the studio just a day prior.
Aside from Tango's closure, Hi-Fi Rush's physical edition is important for another reason: the ongoing discussion of the gaming industry's push further into digital. Despite Xbox boss Phil Spencer claiming that he is still "supportive" of physical media, leaked documents noted that an updated Xbox Series X console did not show a disc drive visible on the device.
Another factor to consider is that Hi-Fi Rush uses copyrighted music. With Tango Gameworks closed, it's unclear what could happen to Hi-Fi Rush's digital version on a service like Xbox Game Pass once the music licenses expire.
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
