Microsoft has come to an agreement with publishing studio Krafton Inc. that will not only save Tango Gameworks but also the Hi-Fi Rush IP. Krafton, known for publishing titles such as PUBG: Battlegrounds and The Callisto Protocol, fully acquires Tango Gameworks from Xbox as well as the full rights to Hi-Fi Rush.
Tango Gameworks was just one of a few studios that suffered a closure under Xbox back in May 2024. It was at that time where the Xbox division fully shut down Tango Gameworks, Arkane Austin, and Alpha Dog Games. The closure of Tango Gameworks was especially baffling to fans and even others operating within the gaming industry, as the surprise drop that was Hi-Fi Rush won several awards throughout 2023 and 2024 and was nominated for even more. Hi-Fi Rush also reached an announced 3 million players by August 2023, though the breakdown between copies sold and those playing through Game Pass were not disclosed.
Krafton Inc. shared a press release detailing their plans for Tango Gameworks and Hi-Fi Rush. The press release, and reveal about the acquisition, were first shared by Windows Central this evening.
"Krafton Inc today welcomed the talented people of Tango Gameworks to their team, marking a exciting moment in the company's global expansion and its first significant investment in the Japanese video game market," the press release reads. "This strategic move will include the rights to Tango Gameworks' acclaimed IP, Hi-Fi RUSH."
Krafton continued, "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."
The fact Hi-Fi Rush is heading across also heavily suggests that a sequel will most likely emerge from the partnership. However, franchises like Ghostwire: Tokyo, and The Evil Within will remain with Microsoft, at least for now. Both Krafton and Microsoft emphasized that there will be no impact on the existing catalog of games, which will remain available in Xbox Game Pass and other storefronts they're presently on.
In a statement to Windows Central, a Microsoft spokesperson shared the following: "We’re working with Krafton to enable the team at Tango Gameworks to continue to build games together and we look forward to playing their next great game. There will be no impact to the existing catalog of Tango games."
Krafton continued, "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."
The fact Hi-Fi Rush is heading across also heavily suggests that a sequel will most likely emerge from the partnership. However, franchises like Ghostwire: Tokyo, and The Evil Within will remain with Microsoft, at least for now. Both Krafton and Microsoft emphasized that there will be no impact on the existing catalog of games, which will remain available in Xbox Game Pass and other storefronts they're presently on.
In a statement to Windows Central, a Microsoft spokesperson shared the following: "We’re working with Krafton to enable the team at Tango Gameworks to continue to build games together and we look forward to playing their next great game. There will be no impact to the existing catalog of Tango games."
