KRAFTON, the South Korean video game holding company, has announced its acquisition of Japanese development studio Tango Gameworks and the Hi-Fi RUSH intellectual property from Microsoft Gaming. This move represents KRAFTON’s first significant investment in the Japanese video game market.
Tango Gameworks, founded in 2010, became part of Microsoft Gaming in 2021 when the latter acquired ZeniMax Media. However, in May of this year, ZeniMax Media announced the closure of Tango Gameworks.
As part of this new acquisition, KRAFTON plans to work closely with Microsoft Gaming to ensure a smooth transition for Tango Gameworks. The company aims to maintain continuity at the studio, allowing the development team to continue work on the Hi-Fi RUSH IP while also exploring future projects. KRAFTON has expressed its commitment to supporting Tango Gameworks in its pursuit of innovation and the creation of fresh, exciting gaming experiences.
It’s worth noting that Tango Gameworks’ existing game catalog will not be affected by this acquisition. Titles such as the original Hi-Fi RUSH, The Evil Within, The Evil Within 2, and Ghostwire: Tokyo will remain available on their current platforms.
This acquisition marks a significant development in the video game industry, potentially signaling KRAFTON’s intentions to expand its presence in the Japanese market and diversify its game portfolio.