Krafton Rescues Tango Gameworks for Its Unique Game Design

Krafton recently swooped in to save Tango Gameworks, a studio known for its distinctive and innovative approach to game development. This bold move was driven by Krafton’s commitment to fostering originality, as the publisher seeks to avoid acquiring studios that churn out repetitive or derivative content.

In an insightful interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Maria Park, Krafton’s head of corporate development, discussed the motivations behind their swift acquisition of Tango after Microsoft announced plans to shut down the studio.

“When we heard about Tango Gameworks’ potential closure, our team didn’t hesitate—we flew straight to Tokyo,” Park revealed. “We were already aware of Tango’s impressive legacy of innovation and creativity, and the studio’s ability to build a passionate fanbase despite being relatively small. Initially, we had concerns about whether their tradition of unique craftsmanship could continue, especially after the departure of their founder, Shinji Mikami. However, after our visit, those concerns were put to rest…”

Tango’s Games Stand Out for Their Originality

Park emphasized that one of Krafton’s key acquisition criteria is innovation, with a particular focus on gameplay that stands apart from the norm. In Tango Gameworks, Krafton saw a studio that consistently delivers unique, fresh gaming experiences with each release.

According to Park, Krafton had been exploring opportunities to expand into the Japanese gaming market for some time. However, many smaller studios in the region operate on a for-hire model, which didn’t align with Krafton’s search for a studio with a distinct creative identity.

“Innovation doesn’t necessarily mean creating a new genre,” Park explained. “It means that a game should offer core elements that distinguish it from existing gameplay experiences. We’re not interested in just replicating what’s already been successful.”

A Strategic Addition to Krafton’s Portfolio

Tango Gameworks now joins Krafton’s growing roster of studios, which already includes Striking Distance Studios, Unknown Worlds Entertainment, and Neon Giant. Park noted that Krafton successfully rehired between 70-80 of Tango’s original 100 employees after the studio was closed by Microsoft.

The acquisition also included the intellectual property rights to Hi-Fi Rush, one of Tango’s notable titles. With this in mind, Krafton is eager to let Tango resume work on Hi-Fi Rush 2 once all legal matters with Microsoft are resolved.

Krafton’s rescue of Tango Gameworks not only preserves a studio known for its creative flair but also strengthens Krafton’s position in the global gaming market, furthering its goal of delivering innovative and memorable gaming experiences.