Tango Gameworks, a renowned studio with nearly 15 years in the gaming industry, was recently closed by Microsoft in May, sparking disappointment among fans after the release of the 2023 hit, Hi-Fi Rush. In a significant turn of events, Seoul-based publisher Krafton Inc. has acquired both Tango Gameworks and the Hi-Fi Rush intellectual property from Microsoft.
This acquisition allows Tango Gameworks to continue developing the Hi-Fi Rush franchise and explore new projects. Krafton confirmed that the acquisition will not impact existing titles like The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo, which will remain under Microsoft’s ownership.
Krafton announced this strategic move, emphasizing its commitment to expanding its global reach and enhancing its portfolio with innovative, high-quality content. A Microsoft representative mentioned that the company is collaborating with Krafton to support Tango Gameworks in continuing their game development.
The closure of Tango Gameworks was part of a broader decision by Microsoft to shut down four studios, including Alpha Dog Games, Roundhouse Games, and Arkane Austin, as it seeks to reallocate resources to prioritize key gaming projects.
Hi-Fi Rush was launched in January 2023 for Xbox and PC following an unexpected release during the Xbox and Bethesda Developer Direct. Subsequently, it became available on PlayStation 5 alongside other titles from Microsoft Studios, including Pentiment, Grounded, and Sea of Thieves.