It was announced in heartbreaking news earlier this year that Japanese studio Tango Gameworks had been shuttered by parent company Microsoft, in spite of the critical and commercial success the studio had enjoyed with Hi-Fi Rush, though it seems the collectived prayers of the masses have been heard, because the studio and the IP are both being revived.
It’s been announced that Korean publisher Krafton (PUBG, The Callisto Protocol) has expanded its portfolio by acquiring Tango Gameworks by Microsoft, with the studio and its employees set to be brought back into commission.
Krafton has, additionally, also acquired the Hi-Fi Rush IP. Other Tango IP – The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo – will seemingly remain under Microsoft’s ownership, and the availability of all Tango Gameworks titles on Game Pass will remain unaffected. That said, Krafton says it intends to expand the Hi-Fi Rush IP.
“As part of this strategic agreement, Krafton intends to collaborate with Xbox and ZeniMax to ensure a smooth transition and maintain continuity at Tango Gameworks, allowing the talented team to continue developing the Hi-Fi Rush IP and explore future projects. Krafton intends to support the Tango Gameworks team to continue its commitment to innovation and delivering fresh and exciting experiences for fans,” Krafton’s press release reads.
Shortly before Tango Gameworks’ closure by Microsoft, Hi-Fi Rush was released for PlayStation 5. Leaks earlier in the year had suggested that the rhythm action game would release for the Nintendo Switch (or perhaps its successor) as well, something that a PEGI rating in April indicated, too. It remains to be seen whether Krafton intends to follow through on those supposed plans.
Hi-Fi Rush is currently available on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.