Hi-Fi Rush Fell Short in Sales & Microsoft’s Commercial Expectations – Latest Report Reveals

Update: After the recent discourse surrounding Jeff Grubb’s statement, Aaron Greenberg, representing Xbox Games Marketing, has confirmed that Hi-Fi Rush has gained significant popularity. Despite the absence of specific data and statistics, Greenberg asserts that Hi-Fi Rush has successfully met all anticipated benchmarks and expectations.

Original Story

Hi-Fi Rush is the biggest surprise release by Xbox and Bethesda in 2023. Revealed during the Xbox showcase in January, Developer_Direct, the game was launched exclusively digitally and made available on all platforms, including Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and Xbox/PC Game Pass on the same day of its announcement. With its unique gameplay and art style, Hi-Fi Rush immediately received critical acclaim and high praise from fans, becoming the highest-rated game from Bethesda Softworks.

Not only that, Hi-Fi Rush also quickly climbed up the sales charts on Steam and easily entered the top-ten best-selling games (weekly charts), leaving AAA games like Forspoken behind, which was released at the same time. However, it seems like all the critical acclaim and fan appreciation were not enough to make Hi-Fi Rush a commercial success as well.

Renowned gaming industry journalist, Jeff Grubb, revealed on the latest episode of Game Mess Decides that the game fell short in terms of commercial success as it did not meet Microsoft‘s sales expectations.

Based on what I’ve heard, it just didn’t make the money it needed to make”

Jeff Grubb

This news has surprised many, considering the game’s strong critical reception and fan appreciation. He also mentioned that Microsoft is not pleased with the current state of Xbox.

One possible reason for Hi-Fi Rush’s underwhelming sales performance could be the lack of a well-executed marketing campaign prior to its release. As a “surprise” or “shadow drop” title, the game may not have had enough visibility to reach a wider audience. Additionally, the availability of Hi-Fi Rush on Xbox/PC Game Pass may have contributed to its lower sales, as many gamers may have opted to experience the game through the subscription service rather than purchasing a separate copy, considering the financial benefits of Game Pass.

However, it’s worth noting that Xbox Game Pass has also contributed to the popularity and accessibility of Hi-Fi Rush, as Bethesda revealed in March that the game has already crossed 2 million players. Lastly, the lower price of the game could also be a factor in its sales performance. Despite topping the sales charts, it may not have generated much revenue.

Please note that only Jeff Grubb’s statement suggests that Hi-Fi Rush may not have met Microsoft’s commercial expectations. So, it’s important to exercise caution as there has been no official data released regarding the sales and performance of Hi-Fi Rush. It would be prudent to treat this news with skepticism until further confirmation is provided by either Microsoft or Tango Gameworks.

Nonetheless, fans absolutely loved Hi-Fi Rush for what it is – a great game with engaging gameplay and a unique art style. What are your thoughts on Hi-Fi Rush? Did you purchase the game or enjoy it through Xbox Game Pass? Share your experiences in the comments below!