No one would have expected that after the announcement that Microsoft would shut down Tango Gameworks in May 2024, something good would happen. Gamers were outraged after news broke that along with Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks would also be closing up shop. But now there seems to be hope, as Kraton has bought Tango Gameworks from Xbox in a surprise move!
Hi-Fi Rush is back! | Tango Gameworks Revived by PUBG Publisher KRAFTON | My thoughts & Reaction
An official press release reported that Krafton is currently working with Microsoft to enable a smooth transition. As part of the deal, Tango Gameworks officially becomes a studio under Krafton, and Krafton owns the Hi-Fi Rush rights under Tango Gameworks.
The press release also confirms that the new IP will not affect Tango Gameworks' existing titles, such as The Evil Within, The Evil Within 2, Ghostwire: Tokyo, and the original Hi-Fi Rush. Additionally, Krafton will allow Tango Gameworks to continue developing the Hi-Fi Rush IP and explore other projects.
Honestly, this is a win in Krafton's books. The Korean publisher has long tried to break out of its PUBG identity and expand, but its efforts have been rather lukewarm. They helped develop and publish the Glenn Schofield-led Striking Distance Studios survival horror game The Callisto Protocol. While it managed to get a lukewarm reception, the publisher didn't get a strong portfolio of games outside of PUBG and their mobile titles.
