Krafton Unveils Progress On Hi-Fi Rush 2 After Acquiring Xbox’s Fallen Studio, But Fans of Other IPs Are In For Disappointment

In August, South Korean video game publisher Krafton saved Tango Gameworks by acquiring the studios after Microsoft decided to shut down the studio. The acquisition has given Krafton full rights to the Hi-Fi Rush license, which enabled Tango Gameworks to continue development access to Tango’s popular Hi-Fi franchise.

Unfortunately, the deal did not include the rights to Tango Gameworks’ other IPs, The Evil Within or Ghostwire: Tokyo, which remain under Microsoft’s ownership. As for Hi-Fi Rush 2, the studio has made some progress as Krafton’s head of corporate development, Maria Park, gave some information about the game in a recent interview.

Krafton Head Gave An Update On Hi-Fi Rush 2

In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Krafton’s head of corporate development, Maria Park, gave fans an update about the next game in the Hi-Fi franchise, Hi-Fi Rush 2. Krafton acquired Tango Gameworks when the studio was working on Hi-Fi Rush 2 and Krafton was eager to continue the development,

Yes, the team was working on Hi-Fi Rush 2 when we first met them. 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. I don’t think it’s going to be completely open world, but a more dynamic environment [that] you play in. Also, having more advanced technology applied to the rhythm action so that it feels more synchronised.

Park made it clear that they are not in a hurry to release the sequel as they want the necessary time to refine the game and come up with a different experience.

Krafton Couldn’t Secure The Evil Within or Ghostwire: Tokyo

Further in the interview, Park revealed that Krafton couldn’t acquire Tango Gameworks’ other IPs. Krafton didn’t want to “push too far” with the acquisition as they were just interested in the Hi-Fi franchise,

We primarily focused on Hi-Fi Rush. It was more of a strategic decision. It would’ve been great to get all the IPs but the team was working on Hi-Fi Rush 2 and the others were working on anniversary content for The Evil Within. Knowing Microsoft’s direction with the IP sale, we didn’t want to push too far with this acquisition, so we primarily had Hi-Fi Rush under discussion because it would complicate the process and elongate the entire negotiation process.

Park confirmed that The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo is staying with Microsoft but Krafton isn’t fazed by it at all. Park revealed that when they first heard that Tango was shutting down, their team immediately flew over to Tokyo to finalize the deal as Tango has a rich history of innovation and creativity.

Thanks to their partnership with Microsoft, there is a possibility that Hi-Fi Rish 2 will be released exclusively for Xbox consoles, but there are no confirmations as of now. Do you think Hi-Fi Rush 2 will meet the expectations? Share your views in the comments!