Japanese game studio Tango Gameworks, developer of Hi-Fi Rush, is being acquired by PUBG's Krafton from Xbox, preventing studio closure



KRAFTON , the publisher of PUBG, has announced that it has acquired Tango Gameworks and the IP of ' Hi-Fi RUSH ' from Microsoft's gaming division Xbox. Regarding this business acquisition, KRAFTON explained that 'this is our first major investment in the Japanese game market.'

KRAFTON Strengthens Global Presence Through Strategic Integration of Tango Gameworks and Hi-Fi RUSH IP | KRAFTON
https://www.krafton.com/en/news/press/krafton-strengthens-global-presence-through-strategic-integration-of-tango-gameworks-and-hi-fi-rush-ip/



Hi-Fi Rush IP and Tango Gameworks Acquired by Krafton From Xbox, Will No Longer Be Shut Down
https://www.ign.com/articles/hi-fi-rush-ip-and-tango-gameworks-acquired-by-krafton-from-xbox-studio-will-no-longer-be-shut-down

Tango Gameworks was founded in 2010 by Shinji Mikami , known as the original creator of the Resident Evil series, and was originally called Tango. Tango was acquired by ZeniMax Media in October 2010. After that, ZeniMax Media was acquired by Microsoft in 2021, and Tango became a game studio under Microsoft's umbrella along with Bethesda Softworks and others.

EU approves Microsoft's $8 billion acquisition of Bethesda - GIGAZINE


By Natty Dread

Tango Gameworks has developed the highly acclaimed 'Hi-Fi RUSH,' as well as the survival horror game series ' The Evil Within ' and the action-adventure game ' Ghostwire: Tokyo, ' set in Tokyo, Japan.

Hi-Fi RUSH in particular is a rhythm action game that has captivated users around the world. Not only has it received 'overwhelmingly positive' reviews from users on Steam , with 97% of reviews being 'overwhelmingly positive,' but it has also won a number of prestigious awards in the gaming industry, including a BAFTA Game Animation Award, Best Audio Design at The Game Awards , and Best Audio at the Game Developers ' Choice Awards.




However, Microsoft announced that it would close several Xbox game studios, including Tango Gameworks, as part of a cost-cutting initiative in May 2024. In addition, Xbox studio head Matt Booty said that despite closing Tango Gameworks, 'We need smaller games that give us prestige and awards (like Hi-Fi RUSH).'

Microsoft decides to close several game studios under Bethesda Softworks, including those behind 'Redfall,' 'The Evil Within,' and 'Ghostwire: Tokyo' - GIGAZINE



Nearly three months after the closure of Tango Gameworks, KRAFTON announced that as part of a strategic agreement with Xbox and ZeniMax Media, it will take over Tango Gameworks' operations, allowing the talented team to continue developing the Hi-Fi RUSH IP and explore future projects.

KRAFTON explains that it plans to support Tango Gameworks' development team in continuing to innovate and provide fans with fresh and exciting experiences. It also explains that 'there will be no impact on the existing game catalog, such as The Evil Within, The Evil Within 2, Ghostwire: Tokyo, and Hi-Fi RUSH,' and emphasizes that this business transfer will not affect the Xbox Game Pass catalog or sales in online game stores.

Regarding the acquisition of Tango Gameworks, KRAFTON explained, 'The acquisition of Tango Gameworks strengthens our efforts to expand our global footprint and strengthen our portfolio with innovative, high-quality content. The acquisition of Tango Gameworks represents a strategic alignment with KRAFTON's mission to push the boundaries of interactive entertainment.'

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in Game, Posted by logu_ii