In a surprising move, Krafton announced its acquisition of Tango Gameworks in August 2024, just months after Microsoft's shocking decision to shut down the Japanese studio. The closure was particularly unexpected given that, only a year prior, Microsoft Vice President Aaron Greenberg had hailed Hi-Fi Rush as a breakout hit, praising the game for its commercial and critical success. Greenberg had even stated that the company was "couldn't be happier" with the game’s reception, and its success was seen as a major milestone for Tango Gameworks, which had previously developed The Evil Within series and Ghostwire: Tokyo.
However, Microsoft's abrupt pivot, closing the studio just a year after Hi-Fi Rush’s success, has left many questions unanswered. Despite the praise, Xbox leadership has yet to provide a clear explanation for why they chose to shutter a studio that had enjoyed recent critical acclaim. While financial considerations, including profitability, seem to have played a role, the timing of the closure raised eyebrows, especially given the positive remarks made by Greenberg.
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In contrast, Krafton’s acquisition of Tango Gameworks signals a different approach. CEO Changhan 'CH' Kim addressed the decision in September 2024, stating that while Hi-Fi Rush 2 might not be a major money-maker for the company, Krafton was motivated by a desire to preserve the studio's legacy. "We don’t think Hi-Fi Rush 2 is going to make us money," Kim said, "but we wanted the studio to maintain their legacy." The acquisition shows Krafton's commitment to preserving the creative talent and unique gaming style that Tango has brought to the industry.
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