In a significant move that reshapes the landscape of the gaming industry, PUBG publisher Krafton has announced its acquisition of Tango Gameworks and the rights to the acclaimed rhythm action game Hi-Fi Rush. This acquisition represents Krafton’s first major investment in the Japanese gaming market.
Founded by Shinji Mikami in 2010, Tango Gameworks is renowned for its work on the Evil Within series. The studio was acquired by Bethesda’s parent company, ZeniMax Media, in 2012, and later became part of Microsoft’s portfolio. Under Microsoft’s stewardship, Tango Gameworks gained widespread recognition with the surprise release of Hi-Fi Rush in early 2023. The game received critical acclaim and became a standout title in the Xbox Series X/S lineup, praised for its “vibrant and self-assured” approach.
However, in May 2024, Microsoft’s decision to close several Bethesda studios, including Tango Gameworks, sent shockwaves through the industry. The closure was met with dismay, with Arkane Lyon’s Dinga Bakaba expressing his disapproval, describing it as a “fucking gut stab.”
Despite the closure, Tango Gameworks has a future under Krafton’s ownership. The acquisition will see Krafton collaborating with Xbox and ZeniMax to ensure a seamless transition, allowing the studio to continue developing the Hi-Fi Rush IP and explore new projects. A Krafton press release emphasized that the acquisition would not affect the existing game catalogue, which includes The Evil Within series, Ghostwire: Tokyo, and the original Hi-Fi Rush.
Krafton’s commitment to supporting Tango Gameworks highlights its strategy to expand globally and enhance its portfolio with innovative content. The addition of Tango Gameworks aligns with Krafton’s mission to push the boundaries of interactive entertainment.
Celebrating the acquisition on social media platform X, Tango Gameworks’ creative director John Johanas expressed enthusiasm, saying, “We’re back, baby!”
In related news, Xbox’s Matt Booty, reflecting on the closure of Tango Gameworks, hinted that leadership changes at the studio were a factor in Microsoft’s decision. Booty suggested that the success of a game is influenced by various factors, including leadership and team dynamics, which may have impacted Microsoft’s assessment of Tango Gameworks’ future.
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