Microsoft has expressed satisfaction with the performance of the game “Hi-Fi Rush” and has indicated plans to further invest in its developer, Tango Gameworks. This decision comes despite the game's sales not meeting initial expectations.
Sales Performance and Expectations
Jeff Grubb, a notable figure in the gaming industry, shared insights on YouTube suggesting that Microsoft is particularly pleased with Tango Gameworks and envisions a promising future for the studio. While “Hi-Fi Rush” received positive reviews and was priced reasonably, it did not achieve the sales figures Microsoft had hoped for. Grubb had previously pointed out that the game did not generate the expected revenue, even though it was available on Game Pass. This raised questions about the sales targets set for games on this platform.
Larger Titles and Revenue Generation
Grubb speculates that Microsoft might have anticipated major titles, such as “Halo Infinite,” to be significant sources of revenue, particularly through micro-transactions. However, this did not materialize as expected. As a result, there was pressure on smaller releases like “Hi-Fi Rush” to compensate for this shortfall. Grubb also hints that if Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard King is finalized, “Call of Duty” could potentially become a major revenue driver, allowing room for more experimental game titles to flourish.
Microsoft's Decision-Making Process
There were comments on Microsoft's approach to game management, with Grubb describing it as “sloppy”. However, Aaron Greenberg, the Vice President of Xbox Games Marketing at Microsoft, countered this by emphasizing that “Hi-Fi Rush” was a standout success for the company. He stated that the game surpassed all primary metrics and expectations.
