Krafton Inc. rescues Tango Gameworks, saving the acclaimed rhythm action game Hi-Fi Rush! The South Korean publisher, known for titles like PUBG, has acquired the studio just before its planned closure by Microsoft. This acquisition secures the future of Hi-Fi Rush and opens exciting possibilities for future projects.
Krafton's Acquisition Ensures Hi-Fi Rush's Continued Development
The deal includes the rights to Hi-Fi Rush, ensuring its continued development and exploration of future projects under Krafton's leadership. Krafton will collaborate with Xbox and ZeniMax for a smooth transition, maintaining continuity for Tango Gameworks’ team and existing projects. The press release emphasizes Krafton's commitment to supporting Tango Gameworks' innovative spirit and delivering engaging experiences.
Krafton's statement highlights this strategic move as a key investment in the Japanese video game market and a significant step in their global expansion. The company assures fans that the existing games – The Evil Within, The Evil Within 2, Ghostwire: Tokyo, and Hi-Fi Rush – will remain unaffected. Microsoft has also confirmed their support, stating they are working with Krafton to ensure Tango Gameworks' continued success.
A Near-Miss for Hi-Fi Rush and Tango Gameworks
Tango Gameworks, founded by Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami, faced unexpected closure in May as part of Microsoft's restructuring. This decision came despite the critical acclaim and success of Hi-Fi Rush, which earned awards for its animation and audio design. The news of the studio's closure sparked disappointment among fans and industry professionals alike.
The developers' dedication to Hi-Fi Rush continued even after the lay-offs, as they announced a physical edition and a final patch. Now, under Krafton's ownership, Tango Gameworks resumes operations, continuing its commitment to pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment.
Hi-Fi Rush 2: Still Unconfirmed
While rumors of a Hi-Fi Rush sequel being pitched to Xbox before the studio's closure circulated, an official announcement regarding a sequel remains pending. Krafton's acquisition opens up the possibility, but for now, it's still unconfirmed.
This unexpected turn of events secures the future of Tango Gameworks and its celebrated title, Hi-Fi Rush, offering hope for continued innovation and exciting new projects from the talented team.