CEO Chang Han Kim of Krafton revealed that the acquisition of Tango Gameworks by Microsoft was a spontaneous and innovative move. In an interview with Game Developer, Kim emphasized that the deal was driven by a desire to preserve the creative legacy of the Japanese studio and their Hi-Fi Rush franchise.
The decision to acquire Tango Gameworks stemmed from our admiration for their unique ideas and creativity, despite not achieving massive success in the past. We saw potential in collaborating with this talented team.
Krafton’s goal was to retain as many members of Tango Gameworks as possible to continue their exceptional work after Microsoft closed down the studio earlier this year. The acquisition also aimed at securing rights to Hi-Fi Rush for potential sequels, responding to fans’ anticipation.
The agreement with Microsoft allowed us to swiftly secure ownership of Hi-Fi Rush, addressing fans’ eagerness for new installments while ensuring continuity for the talented developers at Tango Gameworks.
While Krafton focused on acquiring rights to Hi-Fi Rush specifically rather than all IPs under Tango Gameworks, including titles like The Evil Within and Ghostwire Tokyo, Kim explained that simplicity was key in finalizing the deal.
Acquiring all IPs would have complicated matters unnecessarily. Our priority is supporting game development teams like Tango Gameworks in creating innovative projects such as future installments of Hi-Fi Rush that resonate with our dedicated fan base.
In terms of expectations from Tango Gameworks post-acquisition, Kim emphasized fostering a culture where creativity thrives without fear of failure. Krafton aims to take risks and push boundaries in game development.
Our collaboration with Tango Gameworks signifies our commitment to expanding our gaming portfolio through bold ventures. While financial gains may not be immediate or guaranteed, we believe in nurturing creativity and embracing challenges within the industry.
Tango Gameworks embodies innovation and experimentation, qualities we value highly. By embarking on new projects together, we aim to mitigate risks inherent in game development through diverse endeavors that may yield groundbreaking results.
Original article available at www.playground.ru