Embracer Group
Embracer Group business and news from across the web.- Embracer studio Crystal Dynamics continues steady stream of layoffsCrystal Dynamics, the studio behind Tomb Raider, has implemented further layoffs impacting development and operations staff. This follows previous workforce reductions at the Embracer Group-owned company.
Embracer studio Crystal Dynamics continues steady stream of layoffsEmbracer Group studio Crystal Dynamics has continued with layoffs, as indicated by recent comments. The article also touches on discussions regarding the sales performance and market share of various gaming platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.- One Will Stand, Two Will Brawl! Get Ready for the Fight of Your Lives, as RUSHING BEAT X: Return of Brawl Brothers Releases on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox and PC Today!RUSHING BEAT X: Return of Brawl Brothers has been released today for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox, and PC. Developed by City Connection and published by Clear River Games, this beat 'em up title features new characters, combos, and graphical updates, aiming to appeal to both long-time fans of the Rushing Beat series and newcomers.
"Departures are necessary," Crystal Dynamics say as they yet again lay off Tomb Raider staff, but they're "fully committed" to the reboot and sequelCrystal Dynamics has announced its fourth round of layoffs in 12 months, with 20 staff members being let go. The studio emphasized its commitment to the upcoming Tomb Raider: Catalyst and the remake Tomb Raider: Legacy Of Atlantis. Affected employees will receive severance pay and job-finding assistance.
Embracer studio Crystal Dynamics continues steady stream of layoffsEmbracer Group-owned studio Crystal Dynamics has laid off 20 employees, impacting development and central operations staff. This follows previous rounds of job cuts in November 2025 and earlier in 2025 and 2023. The studio reiterated its commitment to upcoming titles Tomb Raider Catalyst and Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis.
Tomb Raider Dev Announces Fourth Round Of Layoffs In Past YearCrystal Dynamics, the developer behind the Tomb Raider franchise, has announced its fourth round of layoffs in the past year, impacting 20 employees. The Embracer Group-owned studio stated the cuts were necessary for its long-term goals and that affected employees will receive severance and job-placement assistance. The studio remains committed to its upcoming projects, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and Tomb Raider: Catalyst, which will be published by Amazon Games.
PLAION Signs Global Physical Distribution with Secret Mode for Star Wars: Galactic Racer™PLAION has signed a global physical distribution agreement with Secret Mode for the upcoming 2026 title, Star Wars: Galactic Racer. Developed by Fuse Games, the game will be distributed worldwide by PLAION, leveraging their extensive logistics and retail network. This partnership aims to ensure broad availability of the physical editions for fans of the beloved franchise.
Saber pops up to once again remind us that Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake is "still in development"Saber Interactive has confirmed that the remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is still in development, though details remain scarce. The project, initially announced in 2021, has faced numerous reports of delays and development changes, with Saber Interactive taking over from Aspyr. Despite ongoing rumors, Saber Interactive's Tim Willits stated the game is proceeding, offering little further information.
Knights of the Old Republic Remake Still Happening, Saber SaysSaber Interactive's Tim Willits confirmed that the Knights of the Old Republic remake is still in development, though he could not share further details. Originally revealed in 2021 with Aspyr Media, Saber Interactive took over development in 2022 after the project was delayed indefinitely. Despite past concerns about the project's status, Willits' statement indicates it remains active.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – Remake Still in Development, But Saber CCO Can’t Say MoreSaber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits confirmed that the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – Remake is still in development, though he could not provide further details. The game, initially announced in 2021 as a PlayStation 5 console exclusive, has faced numerous development challenges, with Saber Interactive taking over from Aspyr. Rumors suggest Mad Head Games is also involved in the project.
Embracer subsidiary Tripwire Interactive has laid off 23 employeesTripwire Interactive, a subsidiary of Embracer Group, has laid off 23 employees, citing evolving business needs. The company, which develops and publishes titles like Killing Floor 3, stated the decision was difficult but necessary. Embracer Group acquired Tripwire in 2022 and has retained ownership after divesting the Saber Interactive subsidiary.
Killing Floor dev Tripwire Interactive lays off 23 employeesTripwire Interactive, the developer of Killing Floor, has laid off 23 employees, citing the need to align with business realities and stay focused on creative goals amidst an evolving gaming industry. The studio confirmed it will continue progress on its current projects and is committed to supporting the affected individuals through their transition.
Console gaming is growing much quicker than mobile as EA named top publisherA new industry report indicates that console gaming is experiencing significantly faster growth than mobile gaming, with PC and console revenue rising by 13% compared to a 1% increase for mobile. Electronic Arts was named the top publisher for console and PC in 2025, despite Microsoft spending the most on advertising. The report highlights that high advertising spend does not guarantee success, as evidenced by Microsoft's underperforming releases despite significant marketing investment.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance director steps away from game developmentDaniel Vavra, director of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, is stepping away from game development after a 14-year tenure at Warhorse Studios to focus on a film adaptation of the game. While no longer involved in daily development, Vavra will remain connected to Warhorse Studios in a broader capacity, potentially as a transmedia director. The studio is actively pursuing film production with a draft script and interest from the film industry.
"They've ghosted me": Saints Row design director says he believes the series is "dead" after pitching prequelSaints Row 1 design director Chris Stockman believes the series is effectively dead after Embracer Group, the current owner, has not responded to his pitch for a prequel. Stockman, who heads VR studio Bit Planet Games, expressed that Embracer seems unable to revive the franchise and has "ghosted" him on his proposals. He remains open to licensing the series out to his studio if Embracer wishes.
"I think the franchise is dead," says Saints Row design directorOriginal Saints Row design director Chris Stockman believes the franchise is effectively dead, stating that Embracer Group has shown no ability to move forward with it and has ignored his proposals. His comments follow criticism of the 2022 reboot and the subsequent closure of developer Volition.
Saints Row Prequel Plans Stall as Embracer Reportedly Ignores Revival PitchA proposed Saints Row prequel set in the 1970s is no longer moving forward after Embracer Group reportedly ignored revival pitches. Original design director Chris Stockman revealed that communication has ceased, casting doubt on the franchise's future, especially after the mixed reception of the 2022 reboot and the closure of Volition.
Embracer sales decline 26% to $1.3bn during first nine months of fiscal yearEmbracer Group reported a 26% decline in net sales to $1.3 billion for the first nine months of its fiscal year, ending December 31, 2025. Despite the overall decrease, CEO Phil Rogers described the third quarter as a "clear improvement" due to the performance of core intellectual properties like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Dead Island. The company anticipates a significant profitability and cash generation inflection point in fiscal year 2026/27 with a pipeline of major releases.- Publishers old and new bring me games old and old ⊟Embracer Group's new subdivision Embracer Freemode, through Bitwave, is porting the Famicom game Gimmick! to modern platforms. Simultaneously, Sunsoft is re-entering the gaming space with a Gimmick! soundtrack, a port of Ufouria, and a new roguelike based on Ikki. ININ Games also announced multiple Ninja Jajamaru-kun collections for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.
- Publishers old and new bring me games old and... - Tiny Cartridge 3DSEmbracer Group's new subdivision, Embracer Freemode, is focusing on retro games, with Bitwave developing a port of Gimmick! for multiple platforms. Sunsoft is re-entering the gaming space with a soundtrack release, a port of Ufouria, and a new roguelike based on Ikki. Additionally, ININ Games announced three Ninja Jajamaru-kun collections, including platformers and RPGs.