Kraftonconfirms that the sequel toHi-Fi Rushwas already in development when Microsoft closed Tango Gameworks. The new game will aim to be ‘more open world,’ listening to player feedback.
Hi-Fi Rush 2 Open World
One of the most surprising news this year was Microsoft’s closure of Tango Gameworks as part of a restructuring that also affected Arkane Austin. However, the creators of the acclaimedHi-Fi Rushhave returned to work thanks to an equally surprising acquisition by Krafton, the company behindPUBG.
An interview with Maria Park, head of corporate development at the Korean company Krafton, has now been published, in which she discusses the acquisition process of Tango Gameworks and what the team was working on when they decided to acquire it.
Sequel for Hi-Fi Rush
In the interview Park explains that the first time they met with Tango Gameworks, they saw an early build of Hi-Fi Rush 2, which had been in development for six months. The studio’s acquisition will ensure that this project moves forward, as they were also able to acquire the license from Microsoft.
This sequel will take player feedback into account, as Park mentions that players felt the first Hi-Fi Rush was too linear. Now they are talking about “a more open world experience,” though she clarifies that it will not be a sandbox, but will feature “a more dynamic setting.”
During the acquisition discussions with Tango Gameworks, they also discovered that the team was working on content for the anniversary of The Evil Within when Microsoft’s closure came as a surprise. However, that content won’t be developed under Krafton, as the licenses for both The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo remain with Xbox.
Phil Spencer Played a Key Role in The Deal
While Microsoft’s top executives have been making the big decisions at Xbox for some time now, Phil Spencer was instrumental in ensuringTango Gameworks survived.
As Maria Park, Krafton’s head of development, explains, the head of Microsoft Gaming convinced Microsoft’s executives to let go of theHi-Fi Rush IP.
Park confirmed thatHi-Fi Rush 2had already been in development for six months when Tango’s closure was announced, and fortunately, this development will continue as planned (now under Krafton).
“We have many fans ofHi-Fi Rushand other titles, and we knew they were working onHi-Fi Rush 2when we began talking. We thought we could continue that legacy and offer more creative ways to keep the game fresh.”
Some players pointed directly at Phil Spencer, but in truth, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming (former Xbox president) had to make the decision out of necessity. Thanks to him, in part, Tango Gameworks is still alive, and we can say the same about the sequel toHi-Fi Rush.
Maria Park also discussed the staff working at Tango. By the end of 2024 and early 2025, the studio is expected to have around 100 developers.
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