Embracer Group, a game development company, has decided to cancel the production of Deus Ex, a game being developed by Eidos Montreal, reports Bloomberg. The RPG with a working title, which was in pre-production for two years, was supposed to enter the production phase later this year, according to an anonymous source cited by Bloomberg. The last installment of the Deus Ex game series, titled “Deus Ex: Mankind Divided,” was released in 2016. The news about the game’s cancellation comes shortly after the Swedish conglomerate acquired several publishers and studios. However, they failed to secure a $2 billion deal and had to lay off nearly 5% of their employees. Bloomberg suggests that more layoffs may be expected at Eidos following the cancellation of Deus Ex.
In recent years, Embracer Group has absorbed numerous studios, becoming the largest hippo during a game of “Hungry, Hungry Hippos.” In 2021, it became the most valuable video game developer in Europe after announcing nearly 30 acquisitions within a year, transforming from an unknown entity into a giant institution in a very short time.
In February 2021, they acquired Gearbox Software, responsible for the Borderlands series. In April 2021, they took over Aspyr Media, a company specializing in game remasters from the Star Wars universe. In August 2021, they added 3D Realms and Ghost Ship Games to their portfolio. In May 2022, they acquired Crystal Dynamics, Eidos Montreal, and Square Enix Montreal. In August 2022, the company also acquired the rights to The Lord of the Rings franchise. Since then, Embracer has become an example of what happens when a company rapidly expands, acquires other entities, and then consolidates them, but ultimately fails to secure a $2 billion partnership deal with a Saudi investment fund. In other words, late-stage capitalism.
Square Enix Montreal briefly changed its name to “Onoma” but was ultimately closed down in November 2022. Volition, the studio behind the Saints Row series, was shut down in August 2023. In November of the same year, Embracer announced a “restructuring,” confirming the layoff of around 5% of their workforce since the beginning of 2023, as well as the probable cancellation of 15 projects, including many unannounced ones.
“What is personally crucial to me is that [the restructuring program] is conducted with compassion, respect, and integrity,” wrote Embracer CEO Lars Wingefors in the same press release from November 2023. According to a tweet from Eidos Montreal’s official Twitter account, 97 people lost their jobs due to this decision.
FAQ:
1. Which studio was working on the Deus Ex game?
Studio Eidos Montreal was working on the Deus Ex game.
2. What company is Eidos Montreal associated with?
Eidos Montreal is associated with Embracer Group.
3. Has the Deus Ex game been canceled?
Yes, Embracer Group has decided to cancel the production of Deus Ex.
4. When was the last installment of the Deus Ex game released?
The last installment of the Deus Ex game series, titled “Deus Ex: Mankind Divided,” was released in 2016.
5. What are the effects of the acquisitions made by Embracer Group?
The acquisitions made by Embracer Group have led to an increase in their value and rapid growth.
6. Which studios have been acquired by Embracer Group?
Embracer Group has acquired many studios, including Gearbox Software, Aspyr Media, 3D Realms, Ghost Ship Games, Crystal Dynamics, Eidos Montreal, and Square Enix Montreal.
7. What are the consequences of the restructuring at Embracer Group?
The consequences of the restructuring at Embracer Group include laying off around 5% of their employees and canceling many projects, including unannounced ones.
8. When was Square Enix Montreal closed?
Square Enix Montreal was closed down in November 2022.
9. How did Embracer Group describe the “restructuring”?
Embracer Group described the “restructuring” as a process that should be carried out with compassion, respect, and integrity.
Definitions:
– Embracer Group: A game development company involved in the production and publishing of video games.
– Eidos Montreal: A game development studio associated with Embracer Group.
– Deus Ex: A series of science fiction video games.
Suggested related links:
– Embracer Group
– Eidos Montreal
– Deus Ex
The source of the article is from the blog exofeed.nl