LogInAccording to a source close to Free Radical, many staff members already started looking for a new job.
Image credit: TimeSplitters Future Perfect, Free Radical
Free Radical, the developer behind TimeSplitters, is reportedly facing closure by Embracer Group. The studio's turbulent history includes filing for bankruptcy in 2008 after the cancellation of Star Wars: Battlefront III and a failed attempt at remaking Goldeneye 007 for Activision. Crytek subsequently acquired the remains of the studio, rebranding it as Crytek UK, where its staff contributed to projects like the Crysis series and Warface. During this period, numerous employees reportedly departed. Later on, most of the remaining team members were transferred to Dambuster Studios under Deep Silver, working on titles such as Homefront: The Revolution and Dead Island 2.
In 2021, Deep Silver, a subsidiary of Plaion and Embracer Group, reestablished Free Radical, with key staff members, including Steve Ellis and David Doak, returning. Their objective was to revive the Timesplitters series. However, according to Video Games Chronicle, Embracer and Plaion are required to consult with employees for at least 30 days before making any redundancies, exploring alternatives to avoid them. While there is a possibility of the studio remaining open, as initially reported by VGC, many essential staff members are currently seeking new job opportunities.
The potential shutdown of Free Radical adds to the growing list of closures and layoffs within Embracer Group. This comes after the company reportedly lost a potential $2 billion investment earlier in the year.
Also, recently, the Chief Operating Officer of Embracer Group announced his departure from the company amidst ongoing restructuring.
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