Krafton Inc., the publisher behind PUBG, has acquired Tango Gameworks, the studio behind the acclaimed rhythm action game Hi-Fi Rush, just before its planned closure by Microsoft. This acquisition safeguards the future of Hi-Fi Rush and secures the jobs of its developers.

Krafton's Acquisition Saves Hi-Fi Rush

The news follows Microsoft's announcement earlier this year that it would be shuttering Tango Gameworks, a move that surprised many given the critical and commercial success of Hi-Fi Rush. Krafton's acquisition includes the rights to the Hi-Fi Rush IP, ensuring its continued development. The company has stated its intention to collaborate with Xbox and ZeniMax to ensure a smooth transition for the Tango Gameworks team. Furthermore, Krafton explicitly confirmed that Tango will continue developing the Hi-Fi Rush intellectual property and explore new projects.

Future of Tango Gameworks and its IPs

Krafton's acquisition represents a significant investment in the Japanese video game market and a strategic expansion of their global reach. While Hi-Fi Rush is now under Krafton's ownership, other Tango Gameworks titles, such as The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo, will remain under Microsoft's control. Krafton has assured fans that this acquisition will not affect the availability of these existing games.

The acquisition comes as a relief to fans who were disappointed by Microsoft's decision to close the studio. The team behind Hi-Fi Rush had even begun work on a physical edition of the game with Limited Run Games following their layoff, demonstrating their continued dedication to the project.

Hi-Fi Rush 2 Remains Unconfirmed

While speculation abounds regarding a potential Hi-Fi Rush 2, no official announcement has been made. Reports suggest that Tango Gameworks had pitched a sequel to Microsoft before the studio's closure, but the proposal was ultimately rejected. The future of the franchise now rests with Krafton, and whether or not they will greenlight a sequel remains to be seen. However, given Hi-Fi Rush's success and Krafton's commitment to the studio, the possibility of a sequel remains a strong contender. The acquisition certainly offers a brighter outlook for the talented team at Tango Gameworks and the future of their innovative projects.