Following a reported request from an Xbox executive for “smaller games that give us prestige and awards,” a developer from Tango Gameworks, the studio behind Hi-Fi Rush, has responded with a picture showcasing the game’s awards.
In light of Microsoft’s recent decision to shut down four Bethesda-owned studios, including Tango Gameworks, the request for more award-winning games sparked reactions within the gaming community. Hi-Fi Rush’s director expressed a dismissive sentiment, and now a former Tango Gameworks project manager, Kazuaki Egashira, has joined the conversation.
Egashira took to Twitter to share images of the awards Hi-Fi Rush had received over the past year, questioning whether the existing accolades were “not enough” in response to the call for more award-winning titles.
Hi-Fi Rush amassed a total of five developer awards throughout 2023, including recognition for animation from BAFTA Games, audio/sound from CEDEC, Game Awards, and Game Developer’s Choice awards, and the Tin Pan Alley Award for Best Music in a Game from the New York Game Awards. These awards underscored the game’s achievements in various aspects of game development.
The closure of Tango Gameworks and the fate of Hi-Fi Rush prompted discussions among players and industry figures, with Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami describing the move as “sad.” Xbox executives have faced questions about the closure, with one emphasizing the uniqueness of success for each game and studio.
The response from Hi-Fi Rush’s developer highlights the challenges faced by smaller studios in the gaming industry and raises questions about the priorities of major publishers in game development.
