I have wrote a lot about The Embracer Group on this site. Actually, I’ve talked a lot more about them since starting Tech Talk Thursdays. Initially, it was all about them gobbling up all of these studios and publishers. Then, the inevitable happened when people started losing jobs. But I’m glad to say this story brings a little joy to my heart.
Last week, Kotaku reported a story that Gearbox was gearing the company up for…something. CEO and co-founder Randy Pitchford mentioned Gearbox was either going to stay with Embracer, be sold, or go indie again.
It appears that now Gearbox will be sold. According to Kotaku, Embracer, which acquired Gearbox for $363 million, is now in the “late stages of being finalized.” Pitchford is being tight-lipped on who the new parent company is going to be.
We will be thrilled to share wheneer we have projects to announce or news to share as we work hard towards our mention to entertain the world.”
Gearbox CEO and co-founder Randy Pitchford
But of course, Gearbox isn’t the only one leaving the Embrace.
Saber Interactive, the developers of the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake, have paid the price to go indie. The deal was worth $500 million.
Coming from Bloomberg, the KOTOR remake is still being worked on, but the status is unknown. Back in November, when asked about KOTOR’s status, Embracer CEO Lars Wingefors refused to make a statement on the status of the game.
I notice that anything I say to this becomes a headline, so that is my only comment.”
Embracer CEO Lars Wingefors
It really is good to see that these developers are getting out before things get worse. Hopefully, these moves will stave off the worst case scenario for everyone still left at Embracer.
