Eidos Montreal
Eidos Montreal business and news from across the web.
Report – Xbox cuts around 25% of Obsidian staffXbox has initiated significant layoffs across its studios, with Obsidian Entertainment reportedly losing around 25% of its staff, impacting producers, artists, designers, and more. This is part of Microsoft's larger plan to lay off 3,200 employees by June 2027, though Blizzard Entertainment teams have been spared for now. The restructuring aims to shift focus away from smaller acquired studios, but the arbitrary nature of the cuts is causing concern over lost expertise.
Eidos Montreal founder says modern execs are driven more by spreadsheets than passion for gamesStephane D'Astous, founder of Eidos Montreal, believes modern game executives are driven more by financial spreadsheets than a genuine passion for games. He notes the shift from smaller, more personal decision-making to large, financially motivated corporate strategies, citing the increased influence of entities like Tencent and sovereign wealth funds. D'Astous feels this change has led to unrealistic expectations and a less creative development environment.
"Launching on PS5 effectively makes this our second launch": Obsidian legend Chris Parker talks Grounded 2 and…Grounded 2 is set to receive its largest content update, 'Into the Abyss,' on August 11, which will also mark its launch on PlayStation 5. Game director Chris Parker highlighted the significance of the PS5 release as a 'second launch' for the survival game, developed by Obsidian Entertainment and Eidos Montreal. The update will introduce new biomes, a new buggy, and swimming mechanics, alongside ongoing community feedback integration.
Fable Reboot Delay Was Disappointing To The Devs, But Avoiding GTA 6 Makes SensePlayground Games' Fable reboot has been delayed to February 2027, a decision that initially disappointed developers aiming for a 2026 release. Studio GM Ralph Fulton stated that the delay allows the game to avoid competing with the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 and secure a less contested release window. The game will feature Hayley Atwell as the villain and will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass.
Thief: The Dark Project Remastered Sneaks Back Onto Console And PC This WinterNightdive Studios, in collaboration with Eidos-Montréal and Atari, has announced Thief: The Dark Project Remastered, set to launch this winter for PC and modern consoles including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. The remaster utilizes Nightdive's KEX Engine to update visuals and UI while preserving the core gameplay mechanics of the original 1998 stealth classic and its Thief Gold expansion.
Quiet As A Shadow: Thief: The Dark Project Remastered Redefines Stealth For A New GenerationNightdive Studios, Eidos-Montréal, and Atari have announced Thief: The Dark Project Remastered, a modern revival of the 1998 stealth classic. Utilizing Nightdive's KEX Engine, the remaster includes the original game and content from Thief Gold, launching this Winter on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC platforms, and previous generation consoles. The game emphasizes pure stealth gameplay, rewarding players for using light, sound, and misdirection to overcome challenges.
Stage Tour ‘Developer Spotlight’ trailer, latest detailsRedOctane Games has revealed new details for its rhythm game Stage Tour, including a Developer Spotlight trailer, partnership with Gibson, and a new campaign mode. The game is coming to PC and major consoles, with more music and platform news expected later this summer. The trailer highlights community input and veteran developers from franchises like Guitar Hero.
Thief: The Dark Project Remastered announced for Nintendo Switch 2, SwitchThief: The Dark Project Remastered has been announced for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch, with a planned winter release. This remaster of the 1998 stealth classic will include the base game and all content from the Thief Gold re-release, updated with modern enhancements by Nightdive Studios. The game emphasizes pure stealth gameplay, player agency, and environmental interaction.
Thief: The Dark Project Remastered announced for PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, PS4, Switch, and PCAtari, Nightdive Studios, and Eidos Montreal have announced Thief: The Dark Project Remastered, a revival of the 1998 stealth classic. The game will launch this winter for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The remaster includes the original game and content from Thief Gold, featuring updated graphics, UI, and support for custom campaigns.
Thief: The Dark Project Remastered announcedAtari, Nightdive Studios, and Eidos Montreal have announced Thief: The Dark Project Remastered, a revival of the 1998 stealth classic. The remaster, built with Nightdive's KEX Engine, will include the original game and all content from the Thief Gold re-release. It is set to launch this winter for PC, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5, featuring updated graphics, UI, and support for custom campaigns.
Everything Announced at PC Gaming Show 2026The PC Gaming Show 2026 featured numerous announcements and reveals for upcoming PC titles. Highlights included new trailers and gameplay for games such as Star Trek: Outposts Unknown, Hack 95, Company of Heroes Definitive Edition, and Serious Sam Shatterverse. Several games announced demos or upcoming playtests, with a focus on diverse genres from city builders and RPGs to roguelikes and party games.
3 years after a $2 billion implosion, studio closures, and cancellations, Embracer's new CEO hopes 'trust is…Embracer Group CEO Phil Rogers expressed hope for improving trust in the company despite a period of significant restructuring, studio closures, and cancellations. The company has undergone multiple reorganizations and asset sales, including the sale of Gearbox and the closure of Arc Games and Cryptic Studios. Rogers acknowledged the industry's challenges and stated that Embracer is focused on resetting and improving its position, with potential for future mergers and acquisitions guided by past learnings.
Fable Delayed To February 2027Xbox has announced that the upcoming RPG Fable has been delayed to February 2027. The decision was made to give the game more space from other major releases planned for this year. Fable is still set to appear at the Xbox Games Showcase on June 7.
Before Dishonored, Arkane was tapped to make Thief 4, and my heart weeps for what might have been: 'We had an…Arkane Studios co-directors Raphael Colantonio and Harvey Smith revealed that Bethesda initially approached the studio to develop Thief 4 or a Blade Runner game before Dishonored. While both directors were passionate about the franchises, neither project materialized, leading Arkane to develop Dishonored instead. The studio was later acquired by ZeniMax Media.
Layoffs imminent at Bungie, former BioWare devs launch new studio, and GTA VI still on for November - Patch Notes #53Bungie is reportedly planning significant layoffs following the end of Destiny 2's active development, shifting focus to Marathon. Meanwhile, former BioWare and Inflexion Games developers have launched a new studio called Studio Reset. Grand Theft Auto 6 is still on track for a November 2026 release, though its price remains unconfirmed. Additionally, Embracer Group plans to spin off major franchises and studios, and Xbox has updated its adaptive thumbstick toppers.
Embracer founder says the company's "large adjustment" in 2023 was a chance for some studios "to prove themselves," not "a hard 'US Corporate style' headcount reduction"Embracer Group founder Lars Wingefors described the company's significant restructuring in 2023 as an opportunity for some studios to prove themselves, rather than a traditional corporate layoff. Despite the company's association with industry layoffs, Wingefors stated the goal was to give select developers and IPs a chance to demonstrate their value following the collapse of a major deal.
Franchises Like Deus Ex And TimeSplitters Might Just Have A FutureEmbracer Group will split into two companies in 2027, with Fellowship Entertainment retaining major video game intellectual properties. The company is seeking partners to develop titles such as Deus Ex, TimeSplitters, and Saints Row, while also exploring collaborations on franchises like Metro and Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Dark Horse Comics will also play a role in utilizing Embracer's IP.- Franchises Like Deus Ex And TimeSplitters Might Just Have A FutureEmbracer Group will split into two companies in 2027, with Fellowship Entertainment retaining major video game intellectual properties. The company is seeking partners to develop titles such as Deus Ex, TimeSplitters, and Saints Row, while also exploring collaborations on franchises like Metro and Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Dark Horse Comics will also play a role in utilizing Embracer's IP.
Former Embracer CEO says Fellowship Entertainment spin-off is the "most effective long-term solution"Embracer Group's former CEO Lars Wingefors has stated that spinning off Fellowship Entertainment is the most effective long-term solution for its undervalued intellectual properties. The new entity will focus on IPs like Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Tomb Raider, and Lord of the Rings, aiming for industry-leading profitability and organic growth. This move is part of Embracer's broader restructuring efforts following significant layoffs and asset sales.
Embracer is splitting in half again, sending Fellowship Entertainment on its merry wayEmbracer Group is splitting into two segments, creating a new company called Fellowship Entertainment to house major IPs like The Lord of the Rings and Tomb Raider, with an IPO planned for 2027. This move aims to better communicate Embracer's diverse operations and unlock the potential of its undervalued assets. The company has undergone previous splits and significant layoffs following financial difficulties.