PUBG developer Krafton acquires Tango Gameworks from Xbox
Krafton Inc., the South Korean company behind the popular battle royale game PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG), has acquired Tango Gameworks and the rights to hit video game Hi-Fi Rush from Xbox. This strategic move comes in response to Microsoft's decision to shut down Tango Gameworks, its sole Japanese game studio, due to cost-cutting measures. The acquisition not only saves Tango Gameworks from closure but also marks Krafton's first major investment in Japan's video game market.
Tango Gameworks: A legacy of innovative gaming
Tango Gameworks, founded in 2010 by Shinji Mikami, is renowned for creating games such as Ghostwire Tokyo and The Evil Within. The studio was initially acquired by Microsoft as part of the ZeniMax acquisition in September 2020. Krafton intends to "support the Tango Gameworks team to continue its commitment to innovation and delivering fresh and exciting experiences for fans."
Game availability and potential sequel
Despite the change in ownership, franchises like Ghostwire: Tokyo and The Evil Within will remain with Microsoft. Both Krafton and Microsoft have assured that there will be no impact on the existing catalog of games, which will continue to be available on Xbox Game Pass and other platforms they're currently on. Speculations suggest that a sequel to Hi-Fi Rush could potentially emerge from this new partnership between Krafton and Tango Gameworks.
