Krafton, the Korean publisher that owns PUBG among many other products, has announced that it has reached an agreement with Microsoft to acquire the recently closed Tango Gameworks. The purchase, the cost of which was not disclosed, includes the studio itself as well as the rights to Hi-Fi Rush, Tango’s last game before its closure.
In a press release, Krafton said it will work closely with Xbox and ZeniMax to “ensure a smooth transition and maintain continuity at Tango Gameworks.” No information was released on staffing, including who will remain at the studio and who of the employees laid off earlier this year will be offered a position at the revived Tango.
Krafton also says that the team at Tango Gameworks will continue development of the Hi-Fi Rush IP and that there will be room to explore future projects.
“Krafton intends to support the Tango Gameworks team as they continue their commitment to innovation and deliver fresh and exciting experiences to fans,” the statement said. “The addition of Tango Gameworks represents a strategic alignment with Krafton’s mission to push the boundaries of interactive entertainment.”
The publisher also stressed that Tango’s existing game catalog consisting of The Evil Within, The Evil Within 2 and Ghostwire: Tokyo will not be affected, as these were apparently not included in the acquisition, and that they, along with the newly acquired Hi-Fi Rush, will continue to be available “wherever they are available today.”
Tango Gameworks was founded in 2010 by Shinji Mikami, creator of the Resident Evil series, after he left Capcom in 2004. The studio was soon acquired by ZeniMax Media and, with the latter’s funding and marketing reach, released its first game, The Evil Within, to critical acclaim.
Tango continued work on The Evil Within series, releasing a sequel in 2017 before ZeniMax was acquired by Microsoft in 2021. It then released Ghostwire: Tokyo in 2022 and the successful rhythm action game Hi-Fi Rush in 2023. Mikami has left Tango Gameworks.
In May 2024 Xbox announced that it will close four game studios, including Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworksdespite previously saying that the game had exceeded expectations. The move came as a shock to many after many at the studio – and many at Microsoft – had been positive about Tango’s future following the release of Hi-Fi Rush.
To rub salt into the wound, Xbox Game Studios boss Matt Booty said Xbox needs games like Hi-Fi Rush, just one day after the closure of TangoIt remains to be seen what Tango Gameworks will look like after its revival at Krafton, but we will be following the next steps closely.
