Embracer Group
Embracer Group business and news from across the web.
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.
"People want MMOs, and the sales of New World proved it" – Cryptic Studios head Jack Emmert on why MMOs are ripe for reinventionCryptic Studios CEO Jack Emmert believes the MMORPG market is still strong, citing the sales of New World as proof, despite recent cancellations. He argues that successful MMOs should focus on a distinct vision and niche audience rather than trying to appeal to everyone, which often leads to diluted experiences. Emmert also emphasizes the importance of rapid prototyping and controlled scope for long-term success in the genre.
New Kingdom Come Adventure is Slated for Release Between April 2027 and March 2028Warhorse Studios is working on a new Kingdom Come adventure, with parent company Embracer Group targeting a release between April 2027 and March 2028. This new project does not include 'Deliverance' in its title, suggesting a new story and potentially a smaller scope than Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. The studio is also developing an open-world RPG set in The Lord of the Rings' Middle-earth.
It's official: Warhorse Studios is officially working on a new open-world Lord of the Rings RPG alongside 'a…Warhorse Studios has officially announced it is developing a new open-world role-playing game set in Middle-earth, alongside a new installment in the Kingdom Come series. While no release windows have been provided, the studio expressed excitement to share more details in the future. Embracer Group, Warhorse's parent company, is increasing its focus on The Lord of the Rings intellectual property.
EXPERIENCE THE SCREAMER UNIVERSE FREE DEMO NOW AVAILABLEMilestone has released a free demo for their new arcade racing game, Screamer, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The demo showcases the game's blend of racing and fighting mechanics in a dystopian, anime-inspired world. A limited-time 30% discount is also available, and Ranked Team Races are set to launch on June 18.- Mech Shooters Fun Again! FZ: Formation Z Available today Via Digital Download on PC and ConsoleFZ: Formation Z, a classic Japanese shooter updated with new graphics and soundtrack, is now available digitally on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S. Physical versions will ship on June 9, 2026. The game features a transforming Mech that can switch between robot and fighter jet forms, with customization options and a score attack mode.
Opinion: Lars Wingefors is out of his mindThis opinion piece criticizes Embracer Group co-founder Lars Wingefors' handling of the company's M&A strategy and subsequent layoffs. The author argues Wingefors' recent statements downplay the negative impact on workers and franchises, calling his revisionism appalling and his continued interest in M&A a commitment to repeating past transgressions.
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.
Warhorse's new Kingdom Come "adventure" is most definitely "a game" releasing as early as 2027, Embracer CEO confirms, but I'm dying to know if it's full-blown RPG or a spinoffEmbracer Group CEO Phil Rogers confirmed that Warhorse Studios is developing a new Kingdom Come game, with a potential release in their next fiscal year. While details are scarce, Rogers indicated it is a full game and not a spinoff, and expressed optimism that fans will enjoy it. The studio is also rumored to be working on a Lord of the Rings RPG.
Nearly a decade after its last update, Darksiders Warmastered Edition gets a photo mode and motion controls in a…Darksiders Warmastered Edition received a surprise update after nearly a decade, introducing a new photo mode and motion controls. This update comes as Embracer Group, which owns the Darksiders IP, undergoes a significant restructuring. The update requires a 64-bit CPU and utilizes the Vulkan graphics API.- MMO Business Roundup: Subnautica 2 EULA 2, Discord encryption, and Embracer’s LOTR spinoffThis MMO business roundup covers several industry developments. Unknown Worlds has adjusted Subnautica 2's terms of service following community backlash, Discord has implemented end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls, and Sony is facing a lawsuit over alleged tariff refund windfalls on PlayStation 5 sales. Additionally, Embracer Group has spun off Fellowship Entertainment to manage its Lord of the Rings intellectual properties.
- Roadmaps and PlansThe development team for Subnautica 2 has shared a letter to the community regarding their plans for the game. Additionally, Embracer Group's recent actions have sparked hope among fans for potential revivals of the Saints Row and Deus Ex franchises.
Embracer chairman says cost control 'does not get enough respect' after presiding over years of layoffsEmbracer Group chairman Lars Wingefors defended the company's extensive layoffs and studio closures, stating that cost control is often underestimated. He argued that the company worked to retain as many employees as possible while balancing business needs. Wingefors' comments come amid ongoing restructuring and studio divestments following a significant investment collapse in 2023.
Embracer Group cuts itself into pieces, this is its last resort: Bifurcation, new listing—licensing out Kain and…Embracer Group is splitting into two separate companies to improve focus and value creation. One entity, Fellowship Entertainment, will house studios like 4A Games and Crystal Dynamics, managing IPs such as Tomb Raider and The Lord of the Rings. The remaining Embracer will include THQ Nordic and other studios, with properties like Biomutant and Wreckfest. CEO Lars Wingefors indicated a more active exploration of external partnerships for IPs like Saints Row and Legacy of Kain.
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.
- An Open-World Middle-Earth RPG From Kingdom Come Studio Is Officially HappeningWarhorse Studios has officially confirmed it is developing an open-world RPG set in Middle-earth, based on The Lord of the Rings IP. The studio, owned by Embracer Group, is also working on a new entry in its Kingdom Come series. Details on the Lord of the Rings game are scarce, but it follows Embracer's acquisition of Middle-earth Enterprises and its stated goal of a 'Lord of the Rings Renaissance'.
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 Plans On Letting Licensing Out Saints Row, Deus Ex, Timesplitters And MoreEmbracer Group CEO Lars Wingefors announced plans to explore external partnerships for licensing out several of the company's intellectual properties, including Saints Row, Deus Ex, and TimeSplitters. This strategy aims to revive dormant franchises and expand their reach beyond gaming into other media. A new entity, Fellowship Entertainment, will focus on major franchises like Tomb Raider and The Lord of the Rings.
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.