LogInFree Radical Design could be disbanded in December.
Image credit: Free Radical Design
Embracer Group is hard at work trying to restructure itself even if it means closing studios and downsizing teams. As promised in September, more game development companies owned by the Group are getting shut down, and Free Radical Design is one of the latest.
According to VGC, Embracer CEO Lars Wingefors has stated that the TimeSplitters developer might be closed on December 11
"As we move through the consultation process and face the potential closure of Free Radical Design on 11 December 2023, I want to express my gratitude for your commitment and the remarkable work you’ve done and still keep doing," he wrote in an email.
"This is a challenging time for all of us but especially for you, and our focus is to support you as much as we can during this transition."
Plaion – the Embracer division that runs the studio – has to consult employees for a minimum of 30 days before making any cuts, as per UK law. The studio could remain open if someone bought it from Embracer, but some employees are already looking for work.
Image credit: Free Radical Design
Embracer has laid off over 900 employees already during the restructuring. Not so long ago, its interim chief strategy officer Phil Rogers called the process "agonizing" but "necessary": "So overall, good progress and we push on."
Free Radical Design was supposed to revive the TimeSplitters shooters from the 2000s but now it could join Embracer's sizeable list of closed studios, which also includes Volition, Campfire Cabal, and Onoma, formerly Square Enix Montréal.
Despite the losses, the strategy seems financially beneficial for the Group as its net sales grew 13% in Q2.
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