In a surprising turn of events, PUBG publisher Krafton has acquired Tango Gameworks and the Hi-Fi Rush IP from Microsoft, rescuing the studio from impending closure. This acquisition marks Krafton's first significant investment in the Japanese gaming market and breathes new life into the critically acclaimed rhythm-action game.
Characters from Hi-Fi Rush embody the excitement surrounding Krafton's acquisition of Tango Gameworks and its IP |
A Last-Minute Reprieve
Just three months after Microsoft announced the closure of several Bethesda studios, including Tango Gameworks, Krafton has stepped in to save the day. The South Korean publisher, known for the battle royale hit PUBG: Battlegrounds, will now take ownership of both the studio and the Hi-Fi Rush intellectual property.
Continuity and Future Projects
Krafton has stated its intention to work closely with Xbox and ZeniMax to ensure a smooth transition for Tango Gameworks. The company aims to:
- Maintain continuity at the studio
- Allow the team to continue developing the Hi-Fi Rush IP
- Explore future projects
This move has been met with relief and excitement from both developers and fans, who were dismayed by the original closure announcement.
An action-packed moment from Hi-Fi Rush, reflecting the continuity and future projects expected under Krafton's ownership |
Impact on Existing Games
Krafton has assured that there will be no impact on Tango Gameworks' existing game catalog, which includes:
- The Evil Within
- The Evil Within 2
- Ghostwire: Tokyo
- Hi-Fi Rush
However, it's worth noting that the press release only specifically mentions the Hi-Fi Rush IP, leaving questions about the future of other franchises like The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo.
A New Chapter for Tango Gameworks
Founded in 2010 by horror veteran Shinji Mikami, Tango Gameworks has built a reputation for innovative and stylish games. Hi-Fi Rush, in particular, was a departure from the studio's horror roots and received critical acclaim upon its release.
John Johanas, director of Hi-Fi Rush and The Evil Within 2, has already celebrated the news on social media, signaling optimism for the studio's future under Krafton's ownership.
A dynamic ensemble from Hi-Fi Rush, representing the innovative spirit of Tango Gameworks as it starts a new chapter under Krafton |
Looking Ahead
While financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, this move positions Krafton to diversify its portfolio beyond the battle royale genre. For Tango Gameworks, it offers a chance to continue pushing creative boundaries and potentially expand on the success of Hi-Fi Rush.
As the gaming industry watches this transition unfold, fans can look forward to the possibility of new content for Hi-Fi Rush and future innovative projects from the talented team at Tango Gameworks.