Former Xbox studio Tango Gameworks and ‘Hi-Fi Rush’ have been acquired by PUBG’s Krafton Inc, saving it from closure

Krafton is picking up former Xbox team Tango Gameworks as well as Hi-Fi Rush, revealed today.

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What you need to know

What you need to know

Tango Gameworks will live on, as Microsoft has reached an agreement with publisher Krafton to maintain the studio. Krafton Inc, known for games like PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds has fully acquired Tango Gameworks from Xbox, as well as the the rights to recent action hitHi-Fi Rush.

Microsoft announced that it would close Tango Gameworks earlier this year, as part of a round of layoffs that saw a few other Xbox game studios closed. Tango was known for games like the aforementioned high-octane rhythm-brawler Hi-Fi Rush, as well as survival horror franchise The Evil Within. Tango was initially established in 2010 by Shinji Mikami of Resident Evil fame, with the studio coming across to Microsoftas part of the ZeniMax acquisition.

Krafton Inc. shared a press release detailing its plans for Tango Gameworks, as well as the future of the Hi-Fi Rush franchise.

“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.”

A new beginning for Tango Gameworks

A new beginning for Tango Gameworks

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It’s a potential new beginning for Tango Gameworks, as well as fans of Hi-Fi Rush.Tango Gameworks surprised Xbox fans early last year with Hi-Fi Rush, which shadow dropped out of nowhere straight intoXbox Game Pass. At the time, Microsoft described it as a success, but broad swaths of cost cutting measures earlier in 2024 led to Tango’s untimely shuttering.

For Krafton to step in and give the studio a new lease on life is incredibly exciting and dare I say uplifting. It’ll be interesting to see where it all goes from here. It’s nice to get at least one happy ending in a year that has beendominated by layoffsacross all of entertainment and tech.

Perhaps if we getreallylucky, Microsoft will let Tango Gameworks have a stab at a new entry in The Evil Within franchise too someday, if Tango wants to, of course. For now, I’m just happy that the studio will get another chance to thrive in what has become an increasingly competitive, and tough industry.

Long may Tango survive, and long may it thrive.

Hi-Fi RUSH |was $29.99now $7.89 at CDKeys (PC, Steam)

Hi-Fi RUSH was 100% worth playing even before this announcement, but a new lease on life for Tango Gameworks and a strong possibility for a sequel makes it even more important that you experience this amazing rhythm-brawler for yourself.

Jez Corden is the Executive Editor at Windows Central, focusing primarily on all things Xbox and gaming. Jez is known for breaking exclusive news and analysis as relates to the Microsoft ecosystem while being powered by tea. Follow onTwitter (X)andThreads, and listen to hisXB2 Podcast, all about, you guessed it, Xbox!