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

Months after Microsoft announced the closure of Tango Gameworks, Krafton Inc., the publisher behind PUBG, TERA, and The Callisto Protocol, has acquired the acclaimed studio and its hit rhythm action game, Hi-Fi Rush.

Krafton Acquires Hi-Fi Rush Studio, Tango Gameworks

Tango to Continue Developing Hi-Fi Rush and Explore New Projects

Krafton Inc. announced today the acquisition of Tango Gameworks, the studio behind the popular Hi-Fi Rush and The Evil Within series. This acquisition follows Microsoft's unexpected decision to close Tango Gameworks earlier this year, a move that surprised fans and industry professionals.

The acquisition includes the rights to Hi-Fi Rush, the award-winning rhythm-action game that has cultivated a devoted fanbase. Krafton will collaborate with Xbox and ZeniMax to ensure a smooth transition and maintain continuity for the Tango Gameworks team and its projects. Krafton stated that Tango will continue developing the Hi-Fi Rush IP and explore future projects.

Krafton's statement: "KRAFTON, Inc. today welcomed the talented people of Tango Gameworks to their team… This strategic move will include the rights to Tango Gameworks’ acclaimed IP, Hi-Fi RUSH."

Tango Gameworks, initially slated for closure by Microsoft in May, will resume operations under Krafton's ownership. Founded by Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami, the studio is also known for The Evil Within series and Ghostwire: Tokyo. Despite the studio's success, particularly with Hi-Fi Rush in 2023, Microsoft's decision to close it was part of a broader restructuring focusing on "high-impact titles."

Krafton confirmed that the acquisition will not affect The Evil Within, The Evil Within 2, Ghostwire: Tokyo, or the original Hi-Fi Rush, which will remain available on existing platforms. Krafton stated: "KRAFTON intends to support the Tango Gameworks team… There will be no impact on the existing game catalog…"

A Microsoft spokesperson told Windows Central: "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, a Bethesda studio acquired by Microsoft in 2021, was among several studios closed earlier this year. This decision, affecting also Arkane Austin, Alpha Dog Games, and Roundhouse Studios, followed the critical success of Hi-Fi Rush.

Following their layoff, Hi-Fi Rush developers announced a physical edition in collaboration with Limited Run Games and released a final patch.

Hi-Fi Rush 2 Remains Unconfirmed

Hi-Fi Rush has garnered significant acclaim, winning awards including '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 was met with widespread disappointment.

Developer Takeo Kido shared photos from the studio's last day on social media. Krafton aims to support Tango Gameworks in its mission to "push the boundaries of interactive entertainment."

Krafton's statement: "This integration reinforces KRAFTON’s dedication… The addition of Tango Gameworks represents a strategic alignment…"

Reports suggested Tango Gameworks was pitching a Hi-Fi Rush sequel to Xbox before the closure. While speculation exists regarding a sequel following this acquisition, no official announcement has been made.