Tango Gameworks Saved By PUBG Publisher Krafton, Hi-Fi Rush Rights Also Acquired

Tango Gameworks was closed by Microsoft in May, and many lamented the loss of a studio that had operated for nearly 15 years and produced games like surprise 2023 hit Hi-Fi Rush. Seoul-based publisher Krafton Inc. has saved the day, however, as the firm announced that it has acquired both Tango Gameworks and the Hi-Fi Rush IP from Microsoft.

The agreement will allow Tango to "continue developing the Hi-Fi-Rush IP and explore future projects" according to Krafton's official announcement of the move. The statement also confirms that there will be "no impact" on other Tango projects like The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo, which will remain with Microsoft.

Krafton announced the acquisition Monday morning in Seoul--Sunday evening for North America--and said that the move "reinforces Krafton’s dedication to expanding its global footprint and enhancing its portfolio with innovative and high-quality content." Speaking with Windows Central, a Microsoft spokesperson said that the company is "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."

Tango Gameworks was one of four studios shut down by Microsoft back in May, with the other three being Alpha Dog Games, Roundhouse Games, and Arkane Austin. At the time, Microsoft said in a company-wide email that the closures were "tough decisions to create capacity to increase investment in other parts of our portfolio and focus on our priority games."

Hi-Fi Rush originally launched in January 2023 for Xbox and PC as a surprise release after the Xbox and Bethesda Developer Direct. The game was then released on PlayStation 5 earlier this year, along with other Microsoft-Studios-developed games like Pentiment, Grounded, and Sea Of Thieves.