Krafton, the powerhouse behind PUBG: Battlegrounds and The Callisto Protocol, has stepped in to acquire Tango Gameworks. This Tokyo-based studio, known for its work on The Evil Within series and the critically acclaimed Hi-Fi Rush, was previously part of Microsoft’s gaming portfolio.
I found that Krafton plans to work closely with Xbox and ZeniMax to ensure a smooth transition for Tango Gameworks. The talented team will continue developing the Hi-Fi Rush IP while exploring new creative ventures.
Fans of Tango Gameworks can breathe easy. The studio’s existing game catalog, including The Evil Within, The Evil Within 2, Ghostwire: Tokyo, and Hi-Fi Rush, will remain unaffected by this acquisition. Hi-Fi Rush, in particular, will continue to be available on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.
Tango Gameworks has an interesting history. Founded in 2010 by Shinji Mikami, the studio quickly made a name for itself with The Evil Within, a survival horror game reminiscent of Mikami’s work on the Resident Evil series at Capcom. The studio became part of Xbox’s family when Microsoft acquired ZeniMax in 2021. However, Mikami left Tango in 2023.
The studio’s most recent success, Hi-Fi Rush, was a departure from their usual dark and violent themes. This rhythm-action game, released as a surprise through Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription in 2023, received widespread critical acclaim.
Just days ago, former developers from Arkane Austin (known for Prey and Dishonored) announced a new first-person action RPG at their Wolfeye Studio.
Microsoft had previously announced plans to close three studios under the Bethesda Softworks umbrella, including Tango Gameworks. However, Krafton’s acquisition has given the studio a new lease on life.
