Two Years After Resurfacing, Free Radical Faces Closure: What Happens to TimeSplitters?
Once a celebrated name in the gaming industry, Free Radical has only been back for two short years since its closure by Crytek in 2014. Many hoped that the studio would revive the legendary first-person shooter (FPS) TimeSplitters, last seen in 2005’s ‘Future Perfect’.
Rumors of Mass Layoffs and Possible Studio Closure
Unfortunately, rumors arose a few weeks ago suggesting that Free Radical might once again be at risk of being targeted by mass layoffs and eventually shutting down permanently. The CEO of Embracer Group, which is Free Radical’s ultimate parent company, recently confirmed these fears.
Consultation Process Begins: A 30-day Window for Staff
Lars Wingefors, the CEO of Embracer Group, reportedly sent a company-wide email confirming that Free Radical’s staff were being signed into a consultation process. During this period, staff in the UK remain ‘on the books’ for 30 days as they are processed according to the law.
A Year of Layoffs and Studio Closures at Embracer Group
This announcement follows a long line of layoffs across various studios owned by Embracer Group this year. Some have already been shut down completely as part of the company’s restructuring process to recoup losses incurred from a $2 billion deal that fell through back in May 2023.
The Possible End of Free Radical: A Blow to Old-School Gamers
It has only been two years since Free Radical resurfaced after a seven-year absence, and the gaming community was eagerly anticipating a return of TimeSplitters – the legendary first-person shooter (FPS) last seen in 2005’s ‘Future Perfect’.
Rumors of Mass Layoffs and Potential Studio Closure
Unfortunately, rumors began circulating a few weeks ago suggesting that the studio was at risk of being targeted by mass layoffs. The possibility of Free Radical closing down once again – potentially for good this time – has left many fans disheartened.
Consultation Process Begins: Staff Remain ‘On the Books’
Lars Wingefors, CEO of Embracer Group, the ultimate parent company of Free Radical, confirmed these fears in a company-wide email. Staff at Free Radical are reportedly being signed into a consultation process – the UK method for handling redundancies. During this period, staff remain ‘on the books’ for a 30-day window as they are processed according to the law.
A Tragic Turn of Events: The Potential Loss of TimeSplitters
This news comes after numerous waves of layoffs at Embracer-owned studios this year. Free Radical may join the ranks of shuttered studios following Embracer Group’s restructuring efforts to recoup losses from a $2 billion deal that fell through in May 2023. It is a tragic turn of events for many old-school gamers who were looking forward to the return of TimeSplitters.
Possible Buyouts or Licensing Deals: A Glimmer of Hope
There is still a glimmer of hope that another firm could buy out Free Radical, or that someone could acquire the TimeSplitters license and bring it back into the limelight. However, these possibilities seem unlikely.
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