In the gaming industry, there are many respected and adored studios. One of them is the German studio Piranha Bytes, which has been creating unique productions such as Gothic, Risen, and Elex for over 25 years. However, recent reports suggest that the studio may be facing the threat of closure due to a restructuring within the Embracer Group, to which it belongs.
According to information published on the German portal GamesWirtschaft, Piranha Bytes is struggling with serious issues. Many employees have been laid off, and the studio’s official website now only displays its logo. Furthermore, information about a grant of 3.2 million euros for a mysterious project codenamed WIKI6 has disappeared from the website of the German Ministry of Economy. According to the plans, this project was supposed to be released by 2026 at the latest. THQ Nordic, the parent company of Piranha Bytes, is currently not commenting on the studio’s future.
The emergence of this information has sparked disapproval among Piranha Bytes fans. The studio holds a special place in the hearts of gamers, thanks to games like the first installment of Gothic, Gothic 2 with the Night of the Raven expansion, and their latest hit, Elex.
However, it is still unknown what exactly awaits Piranha Bytes. Will it be shut down? Will it be able to survive the crisis and continue creating exceptional games? For now, all we can do is wait for official statements from the studio or its owner, Embracer Group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Embracer Group?
Embracer Group is a Swedish holding company that owns several studios and brands associated with the video game industry.
What is Piranha Bytes Studio?
Piranha Bytes is a German game development studio that has been in existence for over 25 years. It is best known for the Gothic, Risen, and Elex series.
Sources:
GamesWirtschaft – [link]
Twitter – [link]