Embracer Group's Shocking Studio Closure Sparks Controversy

Highlights

Embracer Group quietly shuts down Campfire Cabal, a short-lived studio, as part of a major restructuring process.

Embracer Group possesses renowned developers and well-liked video game intellectual properties (IPs). Nonetheless, a failed $2 billion deal has led to the unfortunate closure of various studios and workforce reductions. Regrettably, Campfire Cabal, established by Jonas Wæver with the objective of creating forthcoming sequels for the Expeditions franchise, never had the opportunity to develop any software.

Campfire Cabal, one of Embracer Group's studios, has been quietly shut down after less than a year of operation. This closure is part of Embracer Group's broader restructuring efforts announced in June. Embracer Group, led by Lars Wingefors and based in Karlstad, Sweden, has emerged as a prominent player in the gaming industry, with ownership of acclaimed video game developers like Gearbox Studios, THQ Nordic, and Eidos Montreal. The company generates significant revenue from popular video game franchises such as Marvel games, Lord of the Rings, Deus Ex, and Legacy of Kain. Additionally, Embracer Group has expanded into multimedia with its acquisition of Dark Horse Comics. However, the company recently faced setbacks with a failed $2 billion deal, resulting in the closure of several studios, game cancellations, and employee layoffs.

LinkedIn user Bruno-Christian Belibou first reported that Campfire Cabal, a subsidiary of THQ Nordic, was shut down as part of a significant restructuring process. Embracer Group, the parent company, has previously made major cuts like this before, including the shutdown of various mobile games. However, the closure of Campfire Cabal seems to have been particularly devastating due to its quiet occurrence and the lack of any official statements from Embracer Group.

Campfire Cabal was a short-lived studio that opened in September 2022 but did not have the opportunity to produce any software. Founded by Jonas Wæver, who had previously developed the tactical RPG Expeditions: Rome at Logic Artists, also owned by THQ Nordic, the studio was tasked with creating future sequels for the Expeditions franchise after the acquisition by Embracer Group. Unfortunately, no such sequels were developed, leaving the franchise in a state of uncertainty.

It is disheartening to witness the closure of game studios, particularly when they are unable to fully showcase their immense capabilities. This not only affects the employees and the franchises, but also leaves a void in the gaming community. We can only hope that the former staff members of Campfire Cabal find triumph in their future endeavors within the industry.