Xbox exec says Hi-Fi Rush was “a breakout hit” despite rumors to the contrary

Last week speculation regarding Hi-Fi Rush‘ sales performance made the rounds on social media. Rumors that the game had undersold relative to Microsoft’s expectations began with a remark games journalist Jeff Grubb made on his podcast. Specifically, Grubb said that he’d heard the game had not earned as much sales revenue as expected.

The comment set off a discussion online about where Microsoft’s priorities lie regarding its first-party games. Hi-Fi Rush, a Bethesda IP, was shadow-launched on Xbox Game Pass back in January to a wave of excitement, though obviously with a total lack of marketing. And as many pointed out, the game’s release on Game Pass would naturally undercut individual game sales.

Grubb later tweeted some clarification on what he’d said on the podcast, saying “This was just a small, passing statement in a larger conversation. It wasn’t meant to make people worry about HFR.”

I was just trying to say that I heard Hi-Fi Rush didn't make the money it was expected to make. But to be clear, I don't really know how Microsoft measures success. This was just a small, passing statement in a larger conversation. It wasn't meant to make people worry about HFR. https://t.co/kFHGWbp0hA

— Grubb (@JeffGrubb) April 21, 2023

On Friday VP of Xbox Games Marketing Aaron Greenburg posted on Twitter to assure fans that Hi-Fi Rush was indeed a success “in all key measurements and expectations.”

Hi-Fi RUSH was a break out hit for us and our players in all key measurements and expectations. We couldn’t be happier with what the team at Tango Gameworks delivered with this surprise release.

— Aaron Greenberg ????????‍♂️????U (@aarongreenberg) April 21, 2023

So it looks like we shouldn’t count out an eventual sequel just yet. Check out our Hi-Fi Rush roundtable impressions post here for more on the game.

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Hi-Fi RUSH

Developer:
Bethesda Softworks

Price:
Free