Tango Gameworks: From Hi-Fi Rush to Krafton's Acquisition

Shinji Mikami, the founder of Tango Gameworks, had high hopes for the studio's future, believing it would be "safe as long as they continued to make Hi-Fi Rush games." However, the studio's unexpected closure by Microsoft earlier this year and its subsequent revival under new owners Krafton has been a rollercoaster ride for the industry veterans involved.

A Surprising Twist: Tango Gameworks' Closure and Krafton's Acquisition

The Unexpected Closure

Mikami, the legendary game designer behind the Resident Evil and The Evil Within franchises, was caught off guard by Tango Gameworks' closure. "I had thought the studio would be safe as long as they continued to make Hi-Fi Rush games. That's one of the reasons I left Tango Gameworks. So I was surprised when the studio was closed down," he told IGN.The closure of Tango Gameworks, which Mikami had founded in 2010, was a shock to the industry. The studio had been known for its innovation and success, particularly with the release of Hi-Fi Rush, a critically acclaimed action-adventure game that had been well-received by both critics and players.

Krafton Steps In

However, the story did not end there. In a surprising turn of events, the South Korean gaming company Krafton stepped in and acquired Tango Gameworks, along with the IP rights to Hi-Fi Rush. "Now Krafton has taken over the business, so I feel like it worked out well in the end," Mikami said.The acquisition by Krafton, known for its popular battle royale game PUBG, has provided a new lease on life for Tango Gameworks. The studio's staff, who had faced an uncertain future after the closure, now have the opportunity to continue their work under the new ownership.

A Reminder of the Importance of Good Games

Mikami's experience with Tango Gameworks' closure and revival has left him with a valuable lesson. "I was reminded that if you make a good game, someone will pick it up. The hard work of the Hi-Fi Rush development team led to a new chapter for the company," he said.This sentiment is echoed by Goichi Suda, Mikami's longtime collaborator, who called Tango Gameworks' closure "a bolt from the blue." Suda and Mikami had previously worked together on the acclaimed game Shadows of the Damned, and their partnership has been a driving force in the industry.

Mikami's Desire to Move Away from Survival Horror

Mikami's involvement with Tango Gameworks was also a reflection of his own personal journey. The veteran game designer, known for his work in the survival horror genre, had expressed a desire to move away from the genre that had defined his career."Mikami is best known for his work in the survival horror genre, directing Resident Evils 1 and 4 at Capcom and the Evil Within series at Tango Gameworks. He's spoken previously about wanting to leave Tango Gameworks long before he did in order to move away from the genre," the article notes.The success of Hi-Fi Rush, a game that Mikami mentored but did not direct, likely provided him with the opportunity to step away from the survival horror genre and explore new creative avenues.

A New Beginning for Tango Gameworks

With Krafton's acquisition of Tango Gameworks, the studio has been given a fresh start. The new owners have expressed plans to hire back some of the studio's staff, signaling their commitment to the team and the future of the company.This move by Krafton could be the beginning of a new era for Tango Gameworks, one that builds upon the studio's legacy of innovation and creativity. As Mikami has said, "if you make a good game, someone will pick it up," and Krafton's decision to invest in Tango Gameworks suggests that they believe in the studio's ability to continue producing high-quality, engaging experiences.As the industry continues to evolve, the story of Tango Gameworks serves as a reminder that even in the face of unexpected challenges, talented teams and visionary leaders can find a way to persevere and thrive.