Hi-Fi Rush Dev Tango Gameworks Acquired By PUBG Publisher Krafton

Following Microsoft's shocking announcement of Tango Gameworks' closure in May 2024, the Japanese studio will have to hit the refresh button as it has been acquired. Publisher Krafton announced the news in an official press release over the weekend, confirming that Tango Gameworks will see the light of day once more following a "strategic agreement" the publisher made with Microsoft.

This new deal between Krafton and Microsoft sees the PUBG publisher acquiring the studio and publishing rights to Tango Gameworks' acclaimed rhythm action game, Hi-Fi Rush. This will allow the studio to continue working on the Hi-Fi Rush IP as the publisher looks to support the development team by allowing them to "explore future projects."

Tango Gameworks became part of the Xbox Games Studios family following the acquisition of ZeniMax, Bethesda's parent company, in 2021, bringing along its catalog of incredible gaming releases, such as The Evil Within series and Ghostwire: Tokyo, the latter of which was released in 2022. The studio helped Xbox reach astronomical heights after the launch of Hi-Fi Rush, first released for Xbox consoles and Xbox Game Pass in 2023 before it was brought to PlayStation consoles in March 2024.

Months later, the studio was shut down by Microsoft, citing the decision was made to focus on "high-impact titles," which saw other studios closures that were closed down, including Alpha Dog (Mighty DOOM), Arkane Austin (Redfall), and Roundhouse Games alongside Tango Gameworks. Krafton has also stated that this recent acquisition news will not have any significant "impact on the existing game catalog of The Evil Within, The Evil Within 2, Ghostwire: Tokyo, and the original Hi-Fi RUSH game."

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.