Hi-Fi Rush creator returns from the dead, will “continue development” of the series

Three months after Microsoft unceremoniously shuttered its studio, Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks is being resurrected by PUBG publisher Krafton. The company has acquired both the studio and the rights to the Hi-Fi Rush IP, and plans to expand the rhythm-based action game as part of the acquisition. So not only is the studio getting new life under new management, but it’s now a small passion project that can live on instead of dying after one great game.

According to Krafton’s press release regarding the acquisition, the publisher says it is working with Xbox and ZeniMax to “ensure a smooth transition and maintain continuity” at the studio, which Krafton said in his press release will allow the studio to “continue development of the Hi-Fi RUSH IP and explore future projects.” The announcement also made it clear that previous Tango Gameworks games, such as the original Hi-Fi Rush, The Evil Within series, and Ghostwire: Tokyo, will remain on digital stores even after the studio’s transition.

This is such welcome news after the tragic, senseless closure of Tango Gameworks earlier this year. Developer Hi-Fi Rush was just one of three studios Microsoft shuttered in May, but the apparent success of the rhythm-action game the year before made it all the more shocking. The aftermath that followed put a distinct stain on Xbox management’s reputation, as it was one of the more high-profile closures in a year full of industry turnover. While we don’t know what exactly Tango Gameworks will develop in the Hi-Fi Rush universe after this one, it’s at least good to know that the future looks bright for the studio and the series once again. The game never made it to Switch, despite rumors earlier this year, so perhaps that port is still in the works.

If you haven’t played Hi-Fi Rush, I recently replayed it and it holds up. I bet the game is even more cathartic in light of this news.

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