FREE RADICAL FACING THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: TIMESPITTERS STUDIO ON THE BRINK OF CLOSURE
In a twist that has the gaming world holding its breath, Embracer CEO Lars Wingefors has dropped a bombshell: the beloved TimeSplitters studio, Free Radical Design, is teetering on the edge of closure just before Santa's visit. (By VGC)
THE WRITING'S ON THE WALL
This shocking development follows VGC's earlier reports that the iconic studio was on thin ice. Despite Embracer's tight lips on the matter, leaked company emails reveal the harsh reality: Free Radical might be singing its swan song come December 11, 2023, post-consultation formalities.
Wingefors, in a rare display of sentiment, tipped his hat to the team's dedication and achievements. "This is a challenging time for all of us but especially for you, and our focus is to support you as much as we can during this transition,” he empathized in the leaked email.
A ROCKY ROAD FOR EMBRACER
The past six months have seen Embracer on a rollercoaster, restructuring and closing studios, and axing projects left, right, and center. A staggering 900 employees got the chop in September alone.
AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE
Free Radical's fate, under UK employment law, hangs in limbo as Plaion – Embracer's overseeing division – navigates the mandatory 30-day employee consultation. There's a glimmer of hope if third parties show interest in the acquisition.
However, the studio's talent pool seems to be jumping ship already. LinkedIn tells a grim tale – over half of the 100-strong team are on the hunt for new gigs.
COMMUNITY TO THE RESCUE?
In a heartwarming twist, local studios like Splash Damage have thrown a lifeline, promising interviews to any Free Radical refugee.
WHAT ABOUT TIMESPITTERS?
The big question remains: What’s the fate of TimeSplitters, the crown jewel in Free Radical's legacy? The studio, born in '99, has weathered storms before – a bankruptcy in 2008 following the Haze debacle and a canned Star Wars: Battlefront project.
In a nostalgic move, Embracer resurrected Free Radical in May 2021, hoping to breathe new life into the TimeSplitters saga. Now, as the final hour approaches, the gaming world waits with bated breath: Will TimeSplitters survive this latest, possibly fatal, blow?