When Microsoft closed down Tango Gameworks alongside Arkane Austin, Alpha Dog Games, and Roundhouse Studios (the latter was actually rolled into ZeniMax Online Studios), the industry did not hide its displeasure.
The Japanese developer didn’t deserve such a fate, especially after delivering the universally acclaimed rhythm action game Hi-Fi Rush, which won several awards last year. On Wccftech, the game earned a 9 out of 10 score from reviewer Ule Lopez:
Hi-Fi Rush is a fantastic game that combines two very popular genres and makes a wonderful and innovative game with a low skill floor but a high skill ceiling. The game is both accessible to newcomers to rhythm games and very challenging for veterans looking to be tested in several other areas that don’t necessarily have to do with just rhythm games. The combat is varied, the combos you learn are great to execute, and the music is a joy to listen to. Overall, a great success.
It was even more baffling because Microsoft had previously stated they wanted to add more Asian developers to their first-party roster. Regardless, it was not the end for Tango Gameworks, as PUBG maker Krafton swooped in to acquire the studio and the Hi-Fi Rush intellectual property. In September, Krafton CEO Han ‘CH’ Kim said they know a sequel probably wouldn’t sell a lot due to being a niche genre, but they would still try to do their best for fans.
Today, at the dawn of the new year, Tango Gameworks has resumed social media communications with the following message to all its fans:
A New Start
Tango Gameworks studio has been reborn as Tango Gameworks Inc., proudly joining KRAFTON Inc.
We’re excited to continue crafting games that bring joy to players around the world.
Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this new journey!
As a reminder, the Japanese studio previously also released The Evil Within, The Evil Within 2, and Ghostwire: Tokyo. Those franchises have stayed with Microsoft for now, but they don’t appear to be used for the time being. As such, it’s not inconceivable that Tango might ask for the license at some point in the future, though the current focus is undoubtedly on Hi-Fi Rush 2.
