Tango Gameworks, the Tokyo-based studio behind hit titles such as The Evil Within series and Hi-Fi Rush. It is on the brink of closure after being shut down by Microsoft and ZeniMax Media in May 2024. The studio’s story took a positive turn when Krafton, the publisher for PUBG: Battlegrounds and The Callisto Protocol stepped in to acquire Tango Gameworks including the rights to Hi-Fi Rush.
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Tango Gameworks was founded in 2010 by Shinji Mikami, a legendary figure in the gaming world known for his work on the Resident Evil series at Capcom.
The studio established a reputation for developing unique and innovative games, starting with The Evil Within series and later Ghostwire: Tokyo.
The studio’s most recent success, Hi-Fi Rush released in January 2023 surprised the gaming community with its blend of rhythm-based mechanics and action combat, combined with a vibrant, cartoonish aesthetic.
Tango Gameworks became part of Microsoft’s roster of studios in 2021 when ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks was acquired by Microsoft.
During this period the studio released several successful titles including The Evil Within 2 and Ghostwire: Tokyo.
In January 2023, Tango Gameworks surprised the gaming community with the release of Hi-Fi Rush, a rhythm-action game that was a departure from the studio’s usual dark and horror-themed.
The game was released as a surprise through Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription service and quickly became a hit. It gained over two million players within a month of its release and was lauded for its unique gameplay, stunning animation and loveable characters.
Hi-Fi Rush received positive reviews with many praising it for being a breath of fresh air in the gaming world.
Microsoft announced in May 2024 that it planned to close Tango Gameworks, along with three other studios under the Bethesda Softworks umbrella: Arkane Austin, Alpha Dog Studios and Roundhouse Games.
Microsoft had previously expressed optimism about Hi-Fi Rush with Xbox executive Aaron Greenberg calling it a breakout hit that exceeded expectations in all key metrics.
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Just a few months after Microsoft’s announcement, Krafton, the South Korean publisher behind PUBG: Battlegrounds swooped in to acquire Tango Gameworks.
The acquisition included the rights to Hi-Fi Rush, ensuring that the studio would continue its operations and that the popular IP would live on.
Krafton confirmed that the acquisition would not affect Tango Gameworks’ existing game catalog. Titles like The Evil Within, The Evil Within 2, Ghostwire: Tokyo and the original Hi-Fi Rush will remain accessible on their current platforms including PlayStation 5, Windows PC and Xbox Series X.
In 2021, Tango Gameworks became part of the Microsoft family when the tech giant acquired Bethesda’s parent company, ZeniMax Media, for $7.5 billion.
This acquisition brought several studios under Microsoft’s control including Tango Gameworks. Despite the critical success of Hi-Fi Rush, Microsoft announced in May 2024 its decision to close Tango Gameworks along with three other Bethesda studios: Alpha Dog Games, Roundhouse Games and Arkane Austin.
On August 12, 2024, Krafton announced that it had acquired Tango Gameworks from Microsoft, along with the rights to the Hi-Fi Rush IP.
Krafton has stated that it plans to explore future projects related to Hi-Fi Rush, which could include sequels or expansions.
Krafton assured that it is working closely with Microsoft to ensure a smooth transition for Tango Gameworks’ employees and projects.
The company addressed that there would be no disruption to the availability of Tango’s existing titles, including The Evil Within, The Evil Within 2 and Ghostwire: Tokyo, which will continue to be available on their current platforms.
Krafton’s acquisition opens up new possibilities for Tango Gameworks to explore innovative projects beyond Hi-Fi Rush.
With Krafton’s support, Tango Gameworks could expand its creative horizons and develop new IPs or enhance existing ones.
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