Swedish gaming giant Embracer confirms laying off of 900 employees, shut down 15 games

Authored by gamereactor.eu and submitted by YouthIsBlind

We have previously reported on the Swedish Embracer Group's negative results and the failure of the giant deal, which led to the closure of studios and the dismissal of 5% of the workforce. CEO Lars Wingefors confirmed yesterday evening that 900 developers have been laid off as a result of that and that they are now working to stabilise the business.

Saint's Row studio Volition has had to close down completely, while Tomb Raider developers Crystal Dynamics have been forced to lay off 10% of their workforce too. There are also rumours that Free Radical Design have all been fired and the new Timesplitters has been shut down by Embracer. This while Dead Island 2 made a profit after being in development hell for several years, and Payday 3 is already making a profit despite a troubled launch.

"It's never easy to part ways with talented individuals. I would like to put on record a special thanks to the people who have left Embracer in the quarter. These are difficult decisions and we do not take them lightly. For me, personally, it is crucial that the program is carried out with compassion, respect, and integrity."

HINDBRAIN on November 20th, 2023 at 14:11 UTC »

5% of the workforce

900 developers

Jesus

CubicalDiarrhea on November 20th, 2023 at 14:08 UTC »

God damnit. Is Deus Ex dead again?

HorizonShadow on November 20th, 2023 at 12:45 UTC »

Crazy they went on this huge buying spree only to shut it all down