2023 has not been a great year for the video game industry in terms of layoffs and studio closures, and as the year draws to a close, it’s been announced an entire publisher with dozens of games to its name is closing its doors. Versus Evil had become a bit of a rising star in the indie publishing sphere in recent years, publishing the likes of the Pillars of Eternity games, The Banner Saga, Tower of Guns, Faeria, and more. Unfortunately, that success was not enough to keep the publisher’s doors open.
Free Radical Design reportedly closes its doors
11.12.2023 - 20:01 / gamesindustry.biz
Free Radical Design has reportedly closed down following earlier reports speculating its future.
Per VGC, the shutdown of the TimeSplitters maker was confirmed by various social media posts from employees.
With its closure, 80 employees have been laid off due to Embracer Group's ongoing restructuring program.
In the announcement of Free Radical's closure, senior artist Mark Normington said, "My final day at Free Radical Design. It sees me and just over 80 people out of work at the worst time of year for it to happen. Best of luck to all my colleagues, and I wish you all the very best in your future endeavors."
When visiting the company's website, users will find a message that reads "404 Company Not Found :-( ."
Back in November, it was reported that Free Radical Design, per evaluation from Embracer, could be shuttered.
Later that month, it was alleged that it would close on December 11 (today). Embracer denied the report and that an email was sent confirming its shutdown on the date.
GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Embracer for comment.
The website gametalkz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
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