Krafton Inc., the publisher behind PUBG, acquires Tango Gameworks, saving the acclaimed studio and its hit rhythm game, Hi-Fi Rush, from closure. This acquisition comes just months after Microsoft announced Tango Gameworks' shuttering, a decision that surprised many.
Krafton's Strategic Move into the Japanese Market
Krafton's acquisition includes the rights to Hi-Fi Rush, ensuring its continued development. The company emphasizes a smooth transition, working closely with Xbox and ZeniMax to maintain continuity for Tango Gameworks' team and ongoing projects. Krafton plans to support Tango in creating innovative games and expanding its portfolio. This marks Krafton's first significant investment in the Japanese video game market.
Krafton assures that the existing game catalog (The Evil Within, The Evil Within 2, Ghostwire: Tokyo, and Hi-Fi Rush) will remain unaffected. While other IPs like The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo will likely remain under Microsoft's control, Krafton's statement confirms no changes to their availability or platforms.
Microsoft's statement supports Krafton's acquisition, expressing their desire to see Tango Gameworks continue creating games. The acquisition is a significant development, especially considering Tango Gameworks' recent success with Hi-Fi Rush and its awards (including 'Best Animation' at the BAFTA Games Awards and 'Best Audio Design' at The Game Awards and Game Developers’ Choice Awards).
The future of Hi-Fi Rush, including a potential sequel, remains unconfirmed, despite previous reports of a pitched sequel being rejected by Xbox. While speculation abounds, no official announcement regarding a Hi-Fi Rush 2 has been made.
The acquisition underscores Krafton’s commitment to global expansion and high-quality content. The addition of Tango Gameworks aligns with Krafton's mission to push the boundaries of interactive entertainment.