Hi-Fi Rush 2 Probably Won't Make Krafton Any Cash, But That's Ok

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement at the news of Krafton acquiring Tango Gameworks and plans for a Hi-Fi Rush sequel. It’s not every day we see a company taking such a bold step to support creativity and innovation in the gaming industry.

After acquiring Tango Gameworks, known for hit rhythm-action game Hi-Fi Rush, Krafton is eagerly preparing for a sequel. In a recent interview, Krafton CEO Changhan Kim shared their motivations behind the unexpected purchase from Microsoft and their desire to foster an environment at Tango where creativity flourishes without fear of making mistakes.

“We can’t buy Tango Gameworks due to their current financial situation or projected earnings, specifically regarding Hi-Fi Rush 2. To put it plainly, we don’t anticipate it being profitable. However, this is part of our ongoing endeavor. We strive to push boundaries and Tango Gameworks shares that spirit. They are innovative and eager to experiment, which aligns with our goals. The video game industry is a gamble, and taking risks is inherent in it. But by having multiple projects in the pipeline, we can reduce the risk as one might succeed.

Before the official purchase is complete, Kim has disclosed some intriguing aspects regarding the transaction. Microsoft decided to offload the studio and just the Hi-Fi Rush intellectual property (IP) to Krafton to expedite the transition of ownership. Kim stated that acquiring all of Tango’s IP would have been time-consuming and could have made the deal more complicated. “Our aim was to assist the team in continuing their game development, particularly for Hi-Fi Rush,” said Kim. “When I consider our fans, I think about what they truly desire: more Hi-Fi Rush sequels.

While specific figures regarding the acquisition aren’t revealed, Kim hinted that the monetary value wasn’t significant for Microsoft when the deal got approved. As events unfold, Krafton intends to assist in restructuring the studio, retaining around half of the team previously under Microsoft, and potentially expanding their scope to tackle additional projects as well.

Additionally, the company sees this situation as an opportunity to foster creativity within its studios, by allowing its teams to produce innovative works rather than focusing solely on creating blockbusters with each release. As Kim expressed, “Hi-Fi Rush may not have met our financial expectations, but it’s a team that deserves to create something new and continue their creative journey.” The company aims to foster more such teams within our organization.

2024-09-19 17:08

Hi-Fi Rush 2 Probably Won’t Make Krafton Any Cash, But That’s Ok

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