Hi-Fi Rush saved as PUBG publisher buys studio following Microsoft closure

Hi-Fi Rush’s creator, Tango Gameworks, has been acquired by PUBG’s publisher, KRAFTON, after its closure by Microsoft, allowing the studio to resume its work.

On May 8, 2024, it was announced that Microsoft decided to permanently close not only Tango Gameworks, but also Arcane Austin and Alpha Dog Games.

The news of Tango’s closure especially angered many fans as the studio released Hi-Fi Rush, a critically loved game that was received very well amongst players.

Several months after the news broke, KRAFTON, the publisher of PUBG, has now stepped in, with reports outlining plans to acquire Tango Gameworks and save the studio from closure.

Announced in a press release, KRAFTON welcomed Tango Gameworks as part of the company’s “first significant investment” into the Japanese video game market. They intend to allow Tango Gameworks to continue their new project.

“As part of this strategic agreement, KRAFTON intends to collaborate with Xbox and ZeniMax to ensure a smooth transition and maintain continuity at Tango Gameworks,” the statement reads.

“Allowing the talented team to continue developing the Hi-Fi Rush IP and explore future projects” also suggests that Tango Gameworks is working on something new related to Hi-Fi Rush.

Tango Gameworks

KRAFTON’s statement suggests Tango Gameworks might be working on a Hi-Fi Rush sequel.

Additionally, all of Tango’s existing catalog with The Evil Within series, Ghostwire: Tokyo, and Hi-Fi Rush, will still be readily available everywhere on both game store platforms and on Xbox Game Pass.

John Johanas, the Creative Director of the studio and Director of Hi-Fi Rush reacted to the news by saying, “…and this is how it continues. We’re back, baby!”

Hi-Fi Rush received its final update back in May from Tango as fans thanked the devs for the one last patch before shuttering, but it looks like we’ll now be seeing more from them in the future.