Team from Tango Gameworks celebrating their acquisition by Krafton to continue Hi-Fi Rush.

Tango Gameworks Saved: Hi-Fi Rush Developer Acquired by Krafton

Positive News for Hi-Fi Rush Developer: Tango Gameworks Acquired by Krafton

The gaming industry faced a significant shift recently, as Tango Gameworks, the innovative developer behind the acclaimed game Hi-Fi Rush, was spared from the closure that had been announced by Microsoft. Three months following Microsoft's initial plans to shut down the studio due to layoffs, Krafton, the South Korean publisher recognized for popular titles like PUBG: Battlegrounds and The Callisto Protocol, has stepped in to acquire the studio and assist in its transition.

Microsoft's Original Announcement and Community Reaction

In May, Microsoft unveiled plans to close several studios, including Tango Gameworks, along with Arkane Austin and Alpha Dog Studios, after inheriting these entities during the acquisition of ZeniMax in 2021. This led to considerable backlash from the gaming community, especially considering the recent success of Hi-Fi Rush, which garnered numerous awards during the 2023–2024 awards season.

Details of the Acquisition

Krafton announced its acquisition on Monday, stating it is collaborating with Xbox to enable a seamless transition for Tango Gameworks. This assurance comes with the promise that the team will continue to develop the Hi-Fi Rush intellectual property (IP) and explore future projects. However, the financial specifics of this deal are yet to be disclosed.

Uncertainty Surrounding Other Franchises

While Hi-Fi Rush is the only IP highlighted in Krafton's announcement, it's unclear if Microsoft has relinquished rights to Tango's other successful franchises such as The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo. Queries regarding this matter have been directed to Krafton for clarification.

Support for Tango Gameworks Team

Krafton has expressed its commitment to support the Tango Gameworks team in delivering captivating new experiences for gamers. This could lead to the long-rumored Nintendo Switch port of Hi-Fi Rush finally coming to fruition or potentially pave the way for sequels based on this popular game.

Conclusion: A Positive Future

The change in management signals a positive front for both Tango Gameworks and fans of its games. With Krafton’s backing, the expectation is for continued innovation and creativity from the developer, ensuring that the spirit of Hi-Fi Rush and any future titles resonate with gamers around the world.

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