The original soundtrack for Hi-Fi Rush has been pulled from major music streaming platforms without warning or explanation. Users have confirmed the album is no longer available on Spotify, though the full extent of the delisting across Apple Music, YouTube Music, and other services remains unclear.
No official statement has been issued explaining the removal. The game itself remains available on all digital storefronts.
The soundtrack is still purchasable on Steam as a separate product titled “Hi-Fi RUSH Original Game Soundtrack.” Users who previously added the OST to their streaming playlists now see removed or unplayable tracks.
Hi-Fi Rush launched as a surprise release in January 2023. Developed by Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda Softworks, the rhythm-action game features a soundtrack that blends original compositions with licensed tracks from various artists.
The licensed music component may explain the delisting. Game soundtracks with licensed songs often face complex rights agreements that can lapse or require renegotiation for streaming availability. These contracts are separate from the game itself, which is why the OST can disappear from streaming while the game remains for sale.
Music streaming rights are typically handled differently than game distribution rights. When contracts expire or ownership changes hands, albums get pulled from services until new agreements are finalized. The process can take weeks or months.
Tango Gameworks was shut down by Microsoft in May 2024. While the Hi-Fi Rush IP rights remained with the publisher, any potential rights transitions could trigger temporary takedowns as metadata and ownership information gets updated across streaming platforms.
The game includes a “streamer mode” that replaces licensed tracks with original compositions to avoid copyright claims. If licensing renegotiations fail, future versions of the soundtrack might rely solely on these non-licensed tracks.
Soundtrack delistings are rarely permanent. Albums typically reappear once rights issues are resolved, though the timeline varies. In some cases, re-released versions exclude licensed songs if renegotiations prove too expensive or complicated.
