Limited Edition Indicates Hi-Fi Rush Physical Edition Still Relevant After Tango Gameworks Closes

After Microsoft unexpectedly announced the closure of Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks, some wondered if the previously announced physical version of the game would ever see the light of day. But don’t worry, despite the closure of Tango Gameworks, Limited Run Games still plans to release a physical edition of the studio’s final project.

Limited Run Games’ official X/Twitter account responded to a comment suggesting that the company would not be moving forward with a physical release of Hi-Fi Rush due to the closure of Tango Gamesworks. Limited Run responded that this was not the case and that a physical release “is possible”, but no further information, such as a release date, was disclosed.

Have we forgotten it yet? Unless otherwise noted, Hi-Fi Rush is on!

– Limited Edition Games (@LimitedRunGames) May 9, 2024

Bethesda Softworks confirmed last March that it was partnering with Limited Run Games to release a physical version of the game. The news was part of a bigger announcement: Xbox announced that four of its formerly console exclusives, including Hi- Fi Rush, would be released on other platforms, with Hi-Fi Rush being ported to PlayStation 5.

Limited Run’s confirmation comes as Microsoft faces scrutiny for closing four Bethesda studios, including Tango Gameworks and Redfall developer Arkane Austin. Following the news, reports emerged with new details, such as Tango Gameworks proposing a sequel to Hi-Fi Rush before its closure, as well as reports that during a public meeting held this week, the director of Xbox boss Matt Booty reportedly told staff that smaller games like Hi-Fi Rush are important, even though the studio closed the day before.

Besides the closure of Tango, the physical edition of Hi-Fi Rush is important for another reason: the ongoing discussion about the gaming industry’s push towards digital. Although Xbox boss Phil Spencer claimed he was still “in favor” of physical media, leaked documents indicated that an updated Xbox Series device.

Another factor to consider is that Hi-Fi Rush uses copyrighted music. With Tango Gameworks shutting down, it’s unclear what might happen to the digital version of Hi-Fi Rush on a service like Xbox Game Pass once the music licenses expire.