Hi-Fi Rush’s studio, Tango Gameworks, has been acquired! What does this mean for the series? Will there be a sequel? Read on to learn what the future of the rhythm-action game may be!
Will Hi-Fi Rush Get a Sequel?
Very Likely, Although Nothing is Confirmed.
Tango Gameworks, the developers of the unprecedented cult-hit Hi-Fi Rush, will continue their operations under the KRAFTOM umbrella! Although nothing has been outright confirmed, the chances of a sequel being in the works is the biggest elephant in the room, and from news reports from their first shuttering and miraculous acquisition, Hi-Fi Rush 2 definitely has a high chance of manifesting in the future!
Hi-Fi Rush has had a rather tumultuous lifespan, where it was shadow-announced AND released on the same day, much to the surprise of many gamers–and even more so from discovering that the development studio behind the colorful, cheery, and upbeat rhythm game was Tango Gameworks, the devious brains behind the horror game, The Evil Within!
Gaining widespread fan acclaim and adoration, the game went on to become very profitable, and even managed to clinch a few awards at the annual Game Awards! The path forward for Tango Gameworks definitely seemed to be on an upward trajectory, as they were looking into releasing the game in physical form and delivering more updates to the game. However, during both aforementioned tasks, they were struck with the news that Microsoft would be closing their studios down, even though they managed to develop a successful, profitable, and beloved game with a low budget and little-to-no marketing at all.
Many fans’ hearts broke at the news, but four months later they were restored right back to full health at the shocking news that KRAFTON, the company behind PUBG, will be acquiring the studio! With these circumstances, there seems hope for the studio, and the blossoming rhythm-action game franchise, to continue bringing its action-packed beats to gaming screens. Although briefly faced with the sudden closure of the studio by Microsoft, Tango Gameworks could potentially be working on the next title in the world of Hi-Fi Rush as soon as possible, as they were already in the process of pitching a sequel to Microsoft before they were ordered to shutter. The chances of KRAFTON greenlighting a sequel to the sudden-beloved series is sky high, and could perhaps be the main reason why the studio was even purchased in the first place!
We can only look towards the future and wait for more news as Tango Gameworks work their music magic to have their music once again blast into every gamer’s headphones around the world.
Update September 20, 2024
KRAFTON CEO Chanhan Kim explained in an interview with Game Developer that they acquired Tango Gameworks as well as the Hi-Fi Rush rights because they saw how fans were clamoring for more games under the franchise. Though they are aware that the series might not even be profitable immediately, they deemed soon-to-be-closed studio's gae was frsh and challenged the game industry and its well-worn genres, and so they seek to "champion creativity without fear of failure," citing that "We have to keep trying [to develop games] in the spirit of challenge-taking."
This all but confirms that a Hi-Fi Rush sequel is top priority for the publisher and the studio, perhaps for the far forseeable future.
Sources:
KRAFTON Strengthens Global Presence Through Strategic Integration of Tango Gameworks and Hi-Fi RUSH IP
Tango Gameworks employee shares pictures from the Xbox studio’s final day
Former Xbox studio Tango Gameworks and 'Hi-Fi Rush' have been acquired by PUBG's Krafton Inc, saving it from closure
Game Developer | 'We don't think Hi-Fi Rush 2 is going to make us money:' Krafton CEO says Tango Gameworks acquisition is about legacy
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