Following its acquisition of Hi-Fi Rush and developer Tango Gameworks, Krafton has shared details into its plans of expanding the rhythm-based action game franchise.
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Hi-Fi Rush IP's new publisher Krafton has revealed that developer Tango Gameworks plans to bring a "dynamic" and "more open world type" gameplay with Hi-Fi Rush 2. Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz in an interview, Krafton head of corporate development Maria Park discussed their plans for the Hi-Fi rush franchise, additionally saying that a Hi-Fi Rush DLC is also in the cards.
Park shared that Tango was already working on Hi-Fi Rush 2 when Krafton "first met them." She added, "They want to make sure [it] surpasses the expectations of the existing fans. For instance, some of the feedback about Hi-Fi Rush was that some people felt it was [just] going through factories, so now they want to give a more open world type of experience." Though Park added that they don't expect the Hi-Fi Rush sequel to be "completely open world," adding that it will be "a more dynamic environment [that] you play in" along with "more advanced technology applied to the rhythm action so that it feels more synchronised."
"We primarily focus on finding unique and innovative gameplay," she added. "It doesn't necessarily mean that the game has to be a new genre but it has to have core elements that are unique from existing gameplay experiences. We don't want to just replicate successful games."
Apart from the more open world Hi-Fi Rush 2, Tango also seemed to have set its sights on a Hi-Fi Rush DLC as part of its plans to expand the franchise. Park additionally remarked that the team is aiming for Hi-Fi Rush to be released on Switch in the future as well. "That's what the team really wants. I think [they] want to work on Hi-Fi Rush DLC [too] because they are dedicated to ensuring that Hi-Fi Rush 2 upholds high standards of quality. They don't want to rush the sequel but take the necessary time to refine the game and come up with a different experience."
Krafton and Tango Have Direct Support from Xbox Head Phil Spencer
While Tango's plans of making a more open world title are confirmed, development on Hi-Fi Rush 2 has currently been temporarily put on hold until former IP-holders Microsoft has transferred the related assets to Krafton. "I think the build that we looked at was about six months old when we went to meet with them. At the moment, because the IP acquisition is in progress, it's been on hold because all the related assets and tools will be transferred to Krafton from Microsoft. But yes, we'll continue working on it for sure," Park explained.
Meanwhile, the other franchises Tango has worked on, such Ghostwire: Tokyo and The Evil Within will stay with Microsoft. Hi-Fi Rush will be in full ownership of Kraton following its acquisition. "It's very unusual for them to sell the IP even in case of a studio shutdown. We spoke with Phil Spencer directly and we have their direct support," Park shared. "He has been incredibly accommodating to the needs of the Tango team. So securing the rights to this IP, we should be able to continue this successful series but also explore potential expansions and new creative directions."
Tango Gameworks was among the several Bethesda studios that Microsoft decided to shut down earlier this year. In August, Krafton announced its acquisition of the studio and the Hi-Fi Rush IP. When Microsoft had decided to let go of Tango Gameworks, it was revealed that Xbox decided to axe plans for Hi-Fi Rush 2, citing a need for a narrower focus in its game development efforts.
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We don't want to just replicate successful games
: Behind Krafton's acquisition of Tango Gameworks
