Hi-Fi Rush 2 May Feature Open World Elements!

Krafton, the game publisher, has hinted that the upcoming sequel to Hi-Fi Rush, currently in development at Tango Gameworks, may incorporate open-world elements, departing from the linear structure of its predecessor. Released unexpectedly by Xbox in January 2023, Hi-Fi Rush received widespread acclaim from both players and critics, showcasing a vibrant rhythm action experience that stood in stark contrast to Tango's earlier horror titles like The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo. It quickly established itself as one of Xbox's standout games of the previous year.

Despite the success of Hi-Fi Rush, the gaming landscape shifted dramatically when Xbox announced the closure of Tango Gameworks along with Arkane Austin, Roundhouse Studios, and Alpha Dog Games in May 2024. This decision was particularly puzzling, considering Tango's promising trajectory following the success of Hi-Fi Rush.

Fortunately, three months later, Krafton stepped in to acquire Tango Gameworks, known for its role in releasing titles like PUBG and Glen Schofield's The Callisto Protocol. Krafton retained most of the studio's former staff and gained ownership of the Hi-Fi Rush intellectual property, while the rights to The Evil Within and Ghostwire remained with Xbox.

In a conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Maria Park, Krafton’s Head of Corporate Development, revealed that when Krafton first approached Tango Gameworks, a six-month-old build of Hi-Fi Rush 2 was already playable. Most importantly, Park indicated that the sequel aims to present players with a more dynamic environment, stating, “I don't think it's going to be completely open world, but a more dynamic environment that you play in.”

Exploration Expands in Hi-Fi Rush 2

While Park clarified that the game may not become a fully realized open world, the inclusion of larger areas to explore in Hi-Fi Rush 2 could offer a fresh twist for players who found the original game's linearity limiting. One of the most remarkable aspects of Hi-Fi Rush was its ability to synchronize moving environmental elements with the game’s music. It remains to be seen how this feature will adapt to larger areas, and whether the sequel will include side quests to enrich the gameplay experience.

Currently, development on Hi-Fi Rush 2 is on hold as Tango transitions to Krafton, but the studio is also working on bringing Hi-Fi Rush to Nintendo Switch and developing additional downloadable content (DLC). As for the release timeline for Hi-Fi Rush 2, it appears that fans may have to wait several years based on the latest insights from Park. In addition to Hi-Fi Rush, Tango is collaborating with Krafton on a new online co-op live service game, though details about this project remain scarce.