Krafton Inc., the publisher behind PUBG, acquires Tango Gameworks, saving the acclaimed studio and its hit rhythm game, Hi-Fi Rush, from closure.
Tango Gameworks' Future Secured Under Krafton
The South Korean gaming giant, Krafton, has acquired Tango Gameworks, the studio responsible for Hi-Fi Rush and the Evil Within series. This acquisition follows Microsoft's unexpected decision to shut down Tango Gameworks earlier this year, a move that surprised many.
Krafton's acquisition includes the rights to Hi-Fi Rush, ensuring its continued development. The publisher will collaborate with Xbox and ZeniMax for a smooth transition. Krafton's statement emphasizes its commitment to supporting Tango Gameworks in creating innovative games and exploring new projects, including further development of the Hi-Fi Rush IP.
While Hi-Fi Rush is now under Krafton's wing, other Tango Gameworks titles like The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo will remain under Microsoft's control. Krafton has confirmed that this acquisition will not affect the availability of these existing games.
Microsoft has issued a statement expressing its support for Tango Gameworks' continued success under Krafton's ownership.
Tango Gameworks, founded by Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami, had been facing closure despite the critical and commercial success of Hi-Fi Rush. This closure was part of Microsoft's restructuring efforts, impacting several other studios.
The Hi-Fi Rush team, despite layoffs, had already announced plans for a physical edition and a final patch, showcasing their dedication to the game.
Hi-Fi Rush 2 Remains Unconfirmed
Hi-Fi Rush's success, including accolades like "Best Animation" at the BAFTA Games Awards, made Microsoft's decision to close the studio even more perplexing. Reports suggest Tango Gameworks had pitched a sequel to Microsoft, which was ultimately rejected. While a Hi-Fi Rush 2 is possible under Krafton, no official announcements have been made.
Krafton's acquisition signals its ambition to expand its global reach and portfolio with high-quality games. The future of Tango Gameworks, and potentially a Hi-Fi Rush sequel, remains bright under its new ownership.
