By Sagar V. Mankar 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 from Microsoft.
Earlier this year, Microsoft had planned to close Tango Gameworks as part of broader layoffs 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 saves the studio from closure but also secures 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, emphasizing 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 inception, Tango Gameworks was acquired by ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks. 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.
In its early years, Tango Gameworks followed Shinji Mikami’s vision, 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 expanded its portfolio 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.
What Does the Future Hold for Tango Gameworks Under Krafton?
Despite its success, Tango Gameworks was affected by Microsoft’s cost-cutting measures in 2024, leading to the planned closure of the studio. 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 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.
It’s important to note, however, that not all of Tango’s intellectual properties 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 emphasized 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. With the support of a new publisher and the retention of key talent, the gaming community can look forward to more innovative and thrilling games from the studio in the coming years.
For more details, visit Krafton’s official press release. Stay tuned to Gaming Foodle for the latest updates!