The founder of Tango Gameworks, Shinji Mikami, has said that he was shocked by Microsoft's decision to close the studio. 

Speaking to IGN, the Japanese development vet said that he thought that the outfit would be safe so long as it continued making games in the Hi-Fi Rush series. He added that this was part of the reason he left the studio. 

"I had thought the studio would be safe as long as they continued to make Hi-Fi Rush games," said Mikami. 

"That's one of the reasons I left Tango Gameworks. So I was surprised when the studio was closed down."

However, he is happy that Korean games firm Krafton has acquired the studio and the Hi-Fi Rush IP. 

"Now Krafton has taken over the business, so I feel like it worked out well in the end," Mikami continued. 

"I was reminded that if you make a good game, someone will pick it up. The hard work of the Hi-Fi Rush development team led to a new chapter for the company.

"I think that for a development studio, making a good game is more directly related to survival than making a popular game."

Mikami departed Tango Gameworks in February 2023.