LogInThe studio worked on Hi-Fi RUSH 2 for half a year before the acquisition, and KRAFTON intends to continue developing it.
Tango Gameworks
Tango Gameworks, a studio behind the beloved rhythm game Hi-Fi RUSH, was shut down by Microsoft, provoking a wave of backlash, but was later saved by KRAFTON when the company bought the studio and even rehired the same employees. In a recent interview, Maria Park, Head of Corporate Development at KRAFTON, discussed why the company decided to acquire Tango Gameworks and the company's plans concerning the studio and Hi-Fi RUSH.
According to Maria Park, KRAFTON's decision to purchase the studio was mainly driven by the desire to develop its "legacy of craftsmanship": "We recognized that Tango has this rich history of innovation and creativity, and the rarity of being a relatively small studio with a strong fandom." Park also pointed out that the company focused on finding unique and innovative gameplay, and it was KRAFTON's number one priority.
It has been revealed that Tango Gameworks was working on Hi-Fi RUSH 2 when the negotiations with KRAFTON started. "We thought we could carry on that legacy and offer more creative ways to keep the game updated," Maria commented. The work on the sequel was already about six months, and KRAFTON intends to continue working on it after the IP's acquisition is completed. Apart from Hi-Fi RUSH 2, Tango was working on anniversary content for The Evil Within, but KRAFTON is only acquiring rights to Hi-Fi RUSH, so The Evil Within and other studio's titles stay with Microsoft.
Tango Gameworks
Maria Park said that KRAFTON will not be "hands-on" and will provide the studio with creative autonomy: "We are going to give them an environment where they feel motivated and can continue making something fun and unique."
Recently, Krafton's CEO Changhan Kim shared that the acquisition was driven by the motivation to preserve the studio's creative potential rather than strive for commercial success.
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