Hi-Fi Rush Saved!? Tango Gameworks Purchased Just Before Closure

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

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

Tango Gameworks, the acclaimed studio behind the popular titles Hi-Fi Rush and The Evil Within series, has been acquired by Krafton Inc., the South Korean publisher renowned for PUBG. This acquisition, announced through a press release, comes shortly after Microsoft's unexpected decision to shutter Tango Gameworks earlier this year, leaving fans and industry insiders in shock.

Krafton's acquisition encompasses the rights to Hi-Fi Rush, Tango's award-winning rhythm-based action game that has cultivated a dedicated fanbase since its launch. Krafton has pledged to collaborate closely with Xbox and ZeniMax to "ensure a smooth transition and maintain continuity at Tango Gameworks" for both its team and ongoing projects. With Krafton now at the helm of the Hi-Fi Rush IP, Tango Gameworks is set to "continue developing the Hi-Fi Rush IP and explore future projects."

Krafton stated: "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."

Following Microsoft's announcement in May to close Tango Gameworks, the studio, founded by Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami and known for titles like The Evil Within series and Ghostwire: Tokyo, will now resume operations under Krafton's ownership. Despite the studio's successes, including the critically acclaimed Hi-Fi Rush released in 2023, Microsoft had opted to close it, along with three other studios, as part of a broader restructuring initiative focused on Xbox's "high-impact titles."

"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," the publisher stated.

It's crucial to note that other IPs such as The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo will continue to be managed by Xbox and Microsoft. Krafton has confirmed that their acquisition of Tango and the Hi-Fi Rush IP will not affect these titles, ensuring their availability on current platforms and storefronts. "KRAFTON intends to support the Tango Gameworks team to continue its commitment to innovation and delivering fresh and exciting experiences for fans," they reiterated. "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."

In a statement to Windows Central, a Microsoft spokesperson expressed optimism about the transition: "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 was among several Bethesda studios closed by Microsoft earlier this year. The studio joined Xbox's lineup following ZeniMax's acquisition in 2021. Despite the critical acclaim of Hi-Fi Rush, Microsoft's closure decision was part of a larger strategy impacting Arkane Austin, Alpha Dog Games, and Roundhouse Studios.

The developers of Hi-Fi Rush, demonstrating their commitment to the game, announced via social media a few days after their layoffs by Microsoft that they were collaborating with Limited Run Games to release a physical edition of the game. They also promised a "final patch," which they successfully delivered.

Hi-Fi Rush 2 Unconfirmed

Hi-Fi Rush stands out as Tango Gameworks' most notable success, 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 closure of Tango Gameworks elicited widespread disappointment from both the gaming community and industry professionals.

Developer Takeo Kido shared images on social media reflecting the studio's final day, underscoring the emotional impact of the closure. Now, with Krafton's support, Tango Gameworks aims to continue its mission to "push the boundaries of interactive entertainment."

Krafton's statement reflects their commitment to this goal: "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 studio closures, it was revealed that Tango Gameworks was actively pitching a sequel to Hi-Fi Rush to Xbox. However, Xbox rejected the proposal for a sequel and team expansion. While there has been speculation about the possibility of a "Hi-Fi Rush 2" following this acquisition, no official announcement has been made regarding Tango's next steps under Krafton's wing.