Hi-Fi Rush a “break out hit,” claims Xbox executive despite rumors of underwhelming sales

Microsoft executive Aaron Greenberg is claiming that the popular rhythm adventure game Hi-Fi Rush was a “break out hit” for Xbox despite circulating rumors that it heavily underwhelmed in terms of sales. Greenberg would also state that they “couldn’t be happier with what the team at Tango Gameworks delivered with this surprise release,” further debunking the ongoing false chatter surrounding it.

The origin of Hi-Fi Rush missing its sales target seemingly originated from a Giant Bomb podcast wherein host Jeff Grubb heard that the game “didn’t make the money it was expected to make.” However, this was apparently just “a small, passing statement in a larger conversation” and that “it wasn’t meant to make people worry about HFR.”

For those unfamiliar with Hi-Fi Rush’s history, the colorful action game from the creators of The Evil Within was initially revealed during the January 2023 Xbox and Bethesda Developer Direct Showcase. Towards the end of its segment, Tango Gameworks revealed that their project, which received no prior marketing or advertisement, would immediately be available on PC and Xbox Game Pass.

Despite the inadvisable ‘shadow drop’, Hi-Fi Rush went on to become one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed games of the year. Its smooth gameplay, relatable characters, and catchy music selection quickly made the game a hit with players of all ages. It’s because of this level of success that many instantly questioned the poor sales rumors leading up to Aaron Greenberg’s clarification.

Thanks to the Xbox executive’s post, fans of the widely adored rhythm-based game can now rest easy as Hi-Fi Rush remains one of the year’s biggest hits even without having been marketed heavily. Now, gamers are simply looking forward to the next catchy action entry from Tango Gameworks, which, hopefully, won’t be ‘shadow dropped’ as soon as it’s announced.