The gaming world was shocked when Microsoft and Bethesda announced the closure of Tango Gameworks, the studio behind the critically acclaimed rhythm action game *Hi-Fi Rush*. The decision seemed particularly perplexing given the game’s evident success, reaching over 3 million players on Xbox Game Pass. However, it turns out that Tango Gameworks wasn’t simply resting on its laurels. They were already working on *Hi-Fi Rush 2*!
This revelation comes from Maria Park, Krafton’s VP of corporate development, who shared that Tango had a preliminary build of the sequel in development before the South Korean publisher stepped in to revive the studio. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Park elaborated on the situation, highlighting Tango’s unique creative vision: “When we look at Tango, all the games they’ve released were unique in their own way. Their philosophy and craftsmanship have aligned with what we pursue. We had big fans of *Hi-Fi Rush* and other titles, and I knew they were working on *Hi-Fi Rush 2* when we started talking. We thought we could carry on that legacy and offer more creative ways to keep the game updated.”
Park also emphasized the supportive role of Microsoft in ensuring Tango’s continued existence: “We spoke with Phil Spencer directly and we have their direct support. He has been incredibly accommodating to the needs of the Tango team.” While Krafton will solely own the *Hi-Fi Rush* intellectual property, franchises like *Ghostwire Tokyo* and *The Evil Within* will remain under Bethesda and Microsoft.
The news of *Hi-Fi Rush 2* being in development before Tango’s closure adds a layer of complexity to the situation. It raises questions about Microsoft and Bethesda’s decision-making process, particularly considering the game’s success and the potential for a sequel. With Krafton stepping in to revive Tango Gameworks, the future of the *Hi-Fi Rush* franchise remains bright. Gamers can now look forward to the continued development of the rhythmic action series, which will undoubtedly introduce even more creative and innovative gameplay elements.
