Tango Gameworks, the Japanese studio behind critically acclaimed titles like Hi-Fi Rush and The Evil Within, has been given a new lease on life. Krafton, the publisher known for hits like PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds), has now acquired Tango Gameworks and its IP HI-FI Rush from Microsoft.
Earlier this year, Microsoft had planned to close Tango Gameworks as part of its broader restructuring measures affecting several Xbox game studios. This decision surprised many, especially given the recent success of Hi-Fi Rush, which had been described as a “breakout hit” for Xbox. However, Krafton’s acquisition not only saved the studio from closure but also secured the future of Hi-Fi Rush.
This acquisition marks Krafton’s first major investment in the Japanese video game market, signaling its intent to expand globally.
In a press release, Krafton expressed excitement about the acquisition, highlighting its commitment to maintaining continuity at Tango Gameworks. The company intends to support the talented team at Tango, allowing them to continue innovating and developing new projects and supporting the existing games.
What Is the Legacy of Tango Gameworks?
Tango Gameworks was established in 2010 by Shinji Mikami, the legendary creator of the Resident Evil series. Just a few months after its birth, Tango Gameworks was acquired by ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks. Later, in 2021, the studio came under Microsoft‘s ownership as part of its $7.5 billion acquisition of ZeniMax Media, making Tango Microsoft’s first Japanese development studio.
Tango Gameworks followed Shinji Mikami’s vision in its early years, developing the survival horror games The Evil Within (2014) and The Evil Within 2 (2017). However, their next release, Ghostwire: Tokyo (2022), marked a departure from the survival horror genre, leaning more into action-adventure with supernatural elements.
Last year, the studio surprised everyone with the rhythm-based action game Hi-Fi Rush, which quickly hit two million players within a month of its release and received multiple awards, including ‘Best Animation’ at the BAFTA Games Awards and ‘Best Audio Design’ at The Game Awards.
Despite the massive success of HI-FI Rush success, Tango Gameworks was affected by Microsoft’s cost-cutting measures in 2024, leading to the planned closure of the studio.
What Does the Future Hold for Tango Gameworks Under Krafton?
The acquisition by Krafton offers a fresh start for Tango Gameworks, and with the rights to Hi-Fi Rush now in Krafton’s hands, there’s a strong possibility that a sequel or DLC could be on the horizon. The partnership between Krafton and Microsoft also suggests that both companies are committed to ensuring a smooth transition, allowing Tango Gameworks to thrive in its new environment.
However, it’s important to note that not all of Tango’s IPs have moved to Krafton. Franchises like The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo remains with Microsoft for now. While Krafton focuses on developing new projects and potentially expanding the Hi-Fi Rush franchise, the future of Tango’s other popular titles is still tied to Microsoft.
Microsoft has also underlined that all titles, including Hi-Fi Rush, will remain available on Xbox Game Pass and other current platforms.
The acquisition provides a rare positive story in a year dominated by layoffs and studio closures across the tech and entertainment industries. While specific plans have not been announced, Krafton’s acquisition of Tango Gameworks opens up exciting possibilities.
For more details, visit Krafton’s official press release. Stay tuned to Gaming Foodle for the latest updates!
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