Krafton's Gamble: Reviving the Rhythm-Fueled Masterpiece

In a surprising turn of events, Krafton, the publisher behind the hit battle royale PUBG, has stepped in to acquire Tango Gameworks, the studio behind the critically acclaimed rhythm-action game Hi-Fi Rush. This move comes after Microsoft's sudden decision to shutter the studio earlier this year, leaving the future of the beloved franchise in limbo. However, Krafton's CEO, Changhan 'CH' Kim, has revealed that the company's intentions go beyond mere financial gain, as they seek to preserve the legacy and creative vision of Tango Gameworks.

Preserving the Rhythm of Innovation

Embracing the Creative Spirit

Krafton's decision to acquire Tango Gameworks was not driven by financial considerations, as Kim readily admits. "We can't acquire Tango Gameworks based on their financials or their numbers," he stated in an interview with Game Developer. Instead, the company was drawn to the studio's creative spirit and the potential to continue exploring new frontiers in the gaming industry.Kim emphasized Tango Gameworks' desire to "try something new," a sentiment that resonates with Krafton's own approach to game development. "I don't trust people who say 'oh, this is going to be a hit,'" he said. "I want someone who can try something new." This philosophy aligns with Krafton's vision of fostering an environment where creativity and risk-taking are celebrated, rather than solely focusing on the pursuit of commercial success.

Nurturing the Legacy

The acquisition of Tango Gameworks is not merely a business transaction for Krafton; it is a deliberate effort to preserve the studio's legacy and the unique vision that gave birth to the beloved Hi-Fi Rush. "We wanted to maintain their legacy," Kim explained, acknowledging that while the studio's previous games may not have achieved massive commercial success, the "many creatives worth pursuing" were what drew Krafton to the acquisition.This commitment to nurturing the creative talent and vision of Tango Gameworks is a refreshing approach in an industry often dominated by the pursuit of financial gain. Krafton's willingness to take on the challenge of developing a sequel to Hi-Fi Rush, despite the acknowledgment that it may not be a surefire commercial success, speaks to their desire to support the creative vision of the studio and its talented team.

Mitigating Risks, Embracing Diversity

The gaming industry is notoriously unpredictable, with hits and misses often determined by factors beyond the control of developers and publishers. Krafton's CEO recognizes this reality, stating, "Video games is really a hit or miss industry, and that is risk taking." However, rather than shying away from this uncertainty, Krafton is embracing it as an opportunity to diversify its portfolio and increase the chances of discovering the next breakout hit."Having more project lineups is actually a way to mitigate risk, because one of them might work out," Kim explained. This approach reflects a strategic shift away from the traditional focus on chasing the next blockbuster title and instead emphasizes the value of cultivating a diverse range of creative projects.By acquiring Tango Gameworks and committing to the development of Hi-Fi Rush 2, Krafton is demonstrating its willingness to take calculated risks and support the creative vision of talented developers, even if the financial rewards are not immediately apparent. This commitment to fostering innovation and nurturing unique gaming experiences could pay dividends in the long run, as the industry continues to evolve and players seek out fresh and engaging content.

Lessons from Microsoft's Misstep

The sudden closure of Tango Gameworks by Microsoft earlier this year was met with widespread disappointment and confusion, as the studio's first game, Hi-Fi Rush, had been widely praised and seemed poised for success. Christopher Dring, the head of GamesIndustry.biz, drew a stark contrast between Microsoft's treatment of Hi-Fi Rush and Sony's nurturing of the Astro Bot franchise, which has grown from a PSVR sideshow to a 2024 GOTY contender."Hi-Fi Rush is a wonderful game," Dring tweeted. "The exact sort of unique franchise with Japanese appeal that Xbox always wanted...but instead of developing and nurturing it, they've given it away. Show a bit more patience!"Krafton's decision to acquire Tango Gameworks and commit to the development of Hi-Fi Rush 2 can be seen as a direct response to Microsoft's perceived misstep. By recognizing the value in the studio's creative vision and the potential of the Hi-Fi Rush franchise, Krafton is positioning itself to do what Microsoft failed to do: nurture and develop a unique gaming experience that resonates with players.This move not only highlights Krafton's willingness to take risks and support creative talent but also serves as a lesson to other industry players on the importance of patience, long-term thinking, and a genuine commitment to fostering new and innovative gaming experiences.