Tango Gameworks has confirmed that a Hi-Fi Rush sequel is “positively” under consideration at the studio. 2024 was a bit of a rollercoaster for Tango Gameworks, but the Hi-Fi Rush developer is finally in a stable place under the ownership of South Korean publisher Krafton.
After shadow-dropping Hi-Fi Rush at Xbox’s inaugural Developer Direct in January 2023, Tango Gameworks accrued widespread critical acclaim for its highly creative rhythm brawler. Many considered Hi-Fi Rush one of the best games to launch in 2023, but this year brought about shocking news. Tango Gameworks was one of four Zenimax studios to be shuttered by Xbox in May 2024, inciting outrage from gamers and leaving them dumbfounded, especially since Microsoft previously confirmed that Hi-Fi Rush was a “breakout hit” for the company.
Amid a gloomy outlook, Tango Gameworks’ fortunes overturned drastically in August 2024 when Krafton acquired and reinstated the Hi-Fi Rush developer. This unexpected deal came as a massive relief to Hi-Fi Rush fans and reignited hopes for a sequel. It seems these hopes weren’t misplaced, as a new IGN interview with Tango Gameworks head Colin Mack, Hi-Fi Rush director John Johanas, and Hi-Fi Rush project manager Kazuaki Egashira teases the future of the IP. Mack confirmed that Tango Gameworks is considering a Hi-Fi Rush sequel “positively,” but has yet to make a specific decision about it.
Tango Gameworks Wants to "Try New Things" For Hi-Fi Rush Sequel
Johanas added that many of Tango Gameworks’ developers have a “strong attachment” to Hi-Fi Rush, and that he wants to “cherish this IP.” However, Johanas also emphasized the importance of trying “new things,” and said that Tango Gameworks is currently considering “various opportunities.” Egashira chimed in to express a similar sentiment, stating that creating new experiences is “in the DNA of Tango Gameworks.” He added that Hi-Fi Rush garnered popularity as a new IP, but it would “eventually become outdated” if it were to “stay the same forever.”
Not only me, but many of the development staff have a strong attachment to Hi-Fi Rush. Not only the game but also the characters and the world are beloved by us, so I want to cherish this IP.
While Egashira’s statement may sound rather obvious, it does allude to the possibility of Tango Gameworks taking a very different approach to Hi-Fi Rush’s sequel compared to its predecessor. A senior Krafton executive previously hinted at Hi-Fi Rush 2 potentially featuring open-world elements, which would be a significant departure from the first game’s linear level design. It remains to be seen what else Tango Gameworks may include in a possible Hi-Fi Rush sequel, but if the above comments are any indication, it’ll likely be brimming with creativity and innovation.
