In a world where online movements frequently are a symbol of the power of the community, there has been a phenomenon in the gaming world that perhaps finds itself unique for its nature: the reverse review bomb. Such a term may sound contradictory to people who never came across it; it means just the opposite of what one might think: instead of a flood of negative reviews onto the page of a game-usually on websites like Steam-it is a show of support or protest with positive ones. Review bombing itself isn’t a new concept. It is the act when a large number of people leave negative reviews on the storefront page of a game, usually as an outrage to issues that may or may not be directly connected to the quality or content of the game itself. Business choices, societal concerns, and developer-led in-game governance are a few instances of external causes. However, Hi-Fi Rush, a game from Tango Gameworks, has completely defied that convention.
The revelation by Microsoft to close down Tango Gameworks on May 8,2024, sent shockwaves across the world of gaming. The studio behind the series of Hi-Fi Rush and The Evil Within, among other key companies like Arcane Austin, closed down. Given that Hi-Fi Rush was, up until a year prior, being touted as one of the highest-rated games of 2023, this decision came as particularly surprising. Speaking to the game’s director would make it clear that it’s not only a critical darling but commercially successful, too. In regard to reviews posted for Hi-Fi Rush on Steam, the reaction out of the gaming community was quick and, perhaps even a surprise, very positive.
Collective boycott by players
Hi-Fi Rush got a slew of positive reviews starting on May 7, with a hundred new positives in an extremely short period of time. So did Tango Gameworks’ Evil Within games. That it happened en masse was a display of solidarity with the developers and their games, not with Microsoft’s decision to axe the studio. The comment section was full of gamers thanking and lauding the games and who developed them for their existence and just pure despise towards the business decisions taken that led to the pre-mature demise of the studio. Phrases like ‘RIP Tango Gameworks and corporate greed’, ‘Shinji Mikami’s legacy was ruined by corrupt companies’, described the emotion most of the critics shared.
The Hi-Fi Rush review bomb in reverse shows emotional points of contact between gamers and their favorite games or developers. It’s a kind of digital activism that lets the community rally behind causes and be heard. In this case, the motive constitutes an appreciation of a studio’s work in the gaming industry, while concurrently protesting what has been perceived as corporate overreach and a disrespect for the artistic and human parts of game-making.
The problem also questions the consequences and effectiveness of such measures. Others, like Gediminas and other participants in the forum, observed that such a move would only play into the wrong hands of Microsoft, implying that it would make the ratings better if it closed other studios. Some, such as Systemshock2023, noted that the reviews were intended to express disapproval of Microsoft’s decision and dismay over the studio’s demise, in addition to praising these games. Forum discussions mirror a broader discussion about how to support creators and effectively critique practices in the gaming industry.
Inspirations it leaves
It shows both solidarity and opposition to the gaming community in constantly new ways. One recent turn of events in this constant flux that really brings home the strength of group action in the digital age is the reverse review bomb. Games remind one that beyond the game is a team of dedicated enthusiasts, and their work can inspire, entertain, and in cases like this, even mobilize a community against decisions that they see fit to disagree with. As of now, the community’s reaction to Hi-Fi Rush and Tango Gameworks remains very much in development in real time; the legacy of this studio and its games is anything but complete in the hearts and minds of gamers worldwide.
The reverse review bomb of video games Hi-Fi Rush and The Evil Within marked an important turn in gaming culture. This exemplifies the fact that people can come together as a community to support or oppose something they feel strongly about and use available resources to make their voices heard. It remains to be seen whether it will have any bearing on future business ventures, but one thing is for sure: the gaming community will do all it can to continue thinking of innovative ways to state its approval and disapproval, which also shapes this industry.
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Hi-Fi Rush gets reverse review bombed after Microsoft shutters Tango Gameworks
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