Tango Gameworks Saved: Purchased Before Closure

PUBG's Krafton Acquires 'Hi-Fi Rush' Studio Tango Gameworks

Tango to 'Continue Developing Hi-Fi Rush IP' and 'Explore Future Projects'

In a surprising turn of events, Tango Gameworks, the studio behind the acclaimed rhythm action game Hi-Fi Rush and the horror series The Evil Within, has been acquired by Krafton Inc., the South Korean publisher renowned for PUBG. This acquisition follows the unexpected closure of Tango Gameworks by Microsoft earlier this year, a move that left the gaming community in shock.

Krafton's acquisition includes the rights to Hi-Fi Rush, which has captivated players with its unique gameplay and has won multiple awards since its 2023 launch. Krafton has committed to working closely with Xbox and ZeniMax to ensure a smooth transition for Tango Gameworks, maintaining continuity for the team and its projects. The studio, under Krafton's wing, will continue to develop the Hi-Fi Rush IP and explore new ventures.

Krafton announced: "KRAFTON, Inc. today welcomed the talented people of Tango Gameworks to their team, marking an exciting moment in the company's global expansion and its first significant investment in the Japanese video game market. This strategic move will include the rights to Tango Gameworks' acclaimed IP, Hi-Fi RUSH."

Tango Gameworks, founded by Shinji Mikami, the creator of Resident Evil, had faced closure in May when Microsoft decided to shutter it as part of broader restructuring efforts aimed at focusing on Xbox's "high-impact titles." Despite the studio's recent success with Hi-Fi Rush, this decision affected Tango Gameworks along with three other Bethesda studios under Microsoft's umbrella.

"KRAFTON intends to support the Tango Gameworks team to continue its commitment to innovation and delivering fresh and exciting experiences for fans. There will be no impact on the existing game catalog of The Evil Within, The Evil Within 2, Ghostwire: Tokyo, and the original Hi-Fi RUSH game," Krafton stated.

It's crucial to note that while Krafton has acquired Tango Gameworks and the Hi-Fi Rush IP, other IPs like The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo will remain under Xbox and Microsoft's control. Krafton has assured that these games will continue to be available on all platforms and storefronts.

In a statement to Windows Central, a Microsoft spokesperson said, "We’re working with Krafton to enable the team at Tango Gameworks to continue to build games together, and we look forward to playing their next great game."

Tango Gameworks became part of Xbox following Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax in 2021. The closure of the studio, despite the critical success of Hi-Fi Rush, was part of a larger strategy that also impacted Arkane Austin, Alpha Dog Games, and Roundhouse Studios.

Following their layoffs by Microsoft, the developers of Hi-Fi Rush announced on social media their collaboration with Limited Run Games to produce a physical edition of the game, alongside a promise of a "final patch," which was subsequently released.

Hi-Fi Rush 2 Unconfirmed

Hi-Fi Rush has been a standout success for Tango Gameworks, earning accolades such as 'Best Animation' at the BAFTA Games Awards and 'Best Audio Design' at The Game Awards and Game Developers’ Choice Awards. The studio's closure was met with widespread disappointment among fans and industry professionals.

Developer Takeo Kido shared images from what he described as the studio's last day on social media. Now, with Krafton's acquisition, the company aims to support Tango Gameworks in its mission to "push the boundaries of interactive entertainment."

Krafton's statement reads: "This integration reinforces KRAFTON’s dedication to expanding its global footprint and enhancing its portfolio with innovative and high-quality content. The addition of Tango Gameworks represents a strategic alignment with KRAFTON’s mission to push the boundaries of interactive entertainment."

At the time of the Bethesda studios' closures, it was reported that Tango Gameworks was pitching a sequel to Hi-Fi Rush to Xbox. However, Xbox rejected the proposal for a sequel and the expansion of the team. While there is speculation about a possible "Hi-Fi Rush 2" emerging from this acquisition, no official announcement has been made regarding Tango's future projects under Krafton.