Embracer Group CLOSED Volition Studios

blargskull

As one might know, Embracer Group purchased Cryptic Studios from PWE and placed it under Gearbox. Now because of a massive crash in Embracer's stocks last July they have officially close Volition Studios and fired Gearbox employees. Embracer has also closed some other studios, but astonishingly Cryptic Studios didn't fall into Embracer's cross-hairs just yet. I believe this is only due to the fact that Cryptic Studios is a low cost remote skeleton crew.

Volition was a very unique, they cared about their workers, they hired in game modders, and most of all they cared about their end-users and product. They left this final statement;

The Volition team has proudly created world-class entertainment for fans around the globe for 30 years. We’ve been driven by a passion for our community and always worked to deliver joy, surprise, and delight.

This past June, Embracer Group announced a restructuring program to strengthen Embracer and maintain its position as a leader in the video game industry. As part of that program, they evaluated strategic and operational goals and made the difficult decision to close Volition effective immediately.

To help our team, we are working to provide job assistance and help smooth the transition for our Volition family members. We thank our customers and fans around the world for all the love and support over the years. You will always be in our hearts.

I personally purchased the entire "Saints Row" series. I also bought some of these games for my friends here and overseas. I will miss Volition games greatly and do wish them the best.

What are your thoughts and opinions? Did you play "Saints Row" or other Volition games? Do you think Embracer Group will eventually close more studios or defunct themselves?

rngrob

Unfortunately gearbox has been put up for sale.

autumnwitch

I suspect as both NWO & STO are valuable IPs (Both IPs extremely popular at the moment) that the higher ups don't want to lose them they will try either sell off both (assuming they can contractually) or keep them going as best as they can. Either way I don't think NWO or STO will go away but there are no doubt changes ahead. But one never knows.

foxeatingwolf

Yeah I am pretty sure even if someone wanted to close Cryptic Studios they'd have a bit of red tape to go through due to the licenses STO and Neverwinter have with some pretty big companies, I have little doubt they have some kind of clauses that makes sure they are consulted first and have to sign off on any decisions (Or face major penalties if not consulted), namely CBS and Wizards of the Coast. Hopefully, someone good buys us and we see many more years to come, it would be a real void to see anything happen to these games!

jana

Is Embracer group part of EA (Electronic Arts) which is one of the most unethical gaming companies who has bought games other people designed and then ruined them trying to soak the playerbase for money?. If they are it explains some things about this game.

plasticbat

jana#2651 said:

Is Embracer group part of EA (Electronic Arts) which is one of the most unethical gaming companies who has bought games other people designed and then ruined them trying to soak the playerbase for money?. If they are it explains some things about this game.

Embracer Group and EA are not related.