Hi-Fi Rush and Tango Gameworks Find New Owner, Saved from Closure

Craftonthe company behind the popular battle royale PUBGreported acquisition of Tango Gameworks and HiFi Rushits stellar intellectual property. The Japanese studio will thus continue to operate after Microsoft announced its closure in May as part of cuts at several ZeniMax Media (Bethesda) divisions.

It is currently unknown how much Crafton paid to keep Tango Gameworks and HiFi RushThe press release states publisher South Korea-based company said it was its first significant investment in the Japanese video game market.

The advert places particular emphasis on the acquisition HiFi Rush and its development studio, though it doesn’t provide details on whether Tango Gameworks’ other IPs (Ghostwire: Tokyo and saga Evil within) will also be transferred to Crafton. The only thing that is stated about these games is that this acquisition will not affect their current availability.

“As part of this strategic agreement, Krafton intends to work with Xbox and ZeniMax to ensure a smooth transition and maintain continuity within Tango Gameworks while allowing the talented team to continue to develop the IP. HiFi Rush and explore future projects. “Krafton is committed to supporting the Tango Gameworks team in their quest to innovate and deliver new and exciting experiences to fans.”

Crafton

Acquisition of Tango Gameworks and HiFi Rush This came as a surprise, given that the fate of both had already seemed sealed. In May, Microsoft Gaming announced that it was closing its Japanese studio along with Arkane Austin (red waterfall) and Alpha Dogs (Mighty Doom). The reorganization also affected Roundhouse Games, although instead of closing it down permanently, it was decided to join ZeniMax Online Studios to work on The Elder Scrolls Online.

HiFi Rush and Tango Gameworks to Survive Microsoft’s Announced Closure

When the news of the aforementioned research closures became known, the industry reacted very negatively to Microsoft. The decision to close Tango Gameworks was the most angered, given that HiFi Rush was Xbox’s unexpected success and it was recently announced that it will be coming to PS5.

The company had also become Xbox’s long-awaited gateway to Japan. But Redmond dropped the guillotine overnight, with no convincing explanation. Inside Tango Gameworks, the news of the closure came as a shock.

According to reports, the Asians were planning to expand their staff and offer to develop a sequel. HiFi Rush. However, these initiatives have been scaled back. The good news is that, at least on paper, Krafton intends to give them the opportunity to move forward with these projects.

For now, Phil SpencerMicrosoft Gaming leader has not publicly commented on the sale of Tango Gameworks and HiFi Rush in Crafton. It will be interesting to see if other businesses impacted by the closures announced in May can entice potential buyers to keep their doors open.