Possible Shutdown for TimeSplitters Developer

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TimeSplitters developer Free Radical Design may shut down due to ongoing restructuring by Embracer Group, leading to potential layoffs.

Free Radical's future remains uncertain despite its reorganization as a subsidiary of Deep Silver and the recent announcement of a new TimeSplitters game. In light of the possible shutdown, over 15 senior artists and game designers from Free Radical have already started seeking new job prospects.

Free Radical Design, the developer behind TimeSplitters, is facing layoffs and a potential shutdown. If this occurs, it would be the latest subsidiary of Embracer Group to close as part of the Swedish corporation's ongoing restructuring.

Previously known as Crytek UK from 2009 to 2014, Free Radical Design is renowned for creating the TimeSplitters series, which spanned from 2000 to 2005. This beloved series featured players battling against an alien race across various historical and futuristic time periods. Crytek acquired the company after the release of Haze in 2009 and subsequently developed Crysis 2, Crysis 3, and the Warface Xbox 360 port. In 2021, Embracer Group acquired Free Radical Design, reorganizing it as a subsidiary of Deep Silver and announcing an upcoming TimeSplitters game with an undisclosed title.

However, with the recent developments, the future of Free Radical seems uncertain. According to a report by Video Games Chronicle, it is among the subsidiaries being evaluated by Embracer Group for possible downsizing. Although no official statement has been made, employees at Free Radical have supposedly been informed about the potential shutdown of the TimeSplitters developer.

Embracer Group, through its division Plaion, oversees the operations of Free Radical and Deep Silver. In compliance with UK law, Plaion is required to hold meetings with employees 30 days prior to their redundancy, with the aim of exploring alternative options to downsizing. Regrettably, it has come to our attention that at least 15 employees have already taken to LinkedIn and social media to express their intention to seek other employment opportunities. Among those seeking new opportunities are several high-level developers, including Free Radical’s senior artist, senior technical artist, lead game designer, game designer, and IT manager.

Embracer Group previously operated under the names Nordic Games Licensing from 2011 to 2016 and THQ Nordic AB from 2016 to 2019. Similarly, Plaion was known as Koch Media from 1994 until its rebranding in 2022.

Embracer Group's "Reorganization"

There is a possibility that instead of closing it down, Embracer Group may consider selling Free Radical. Additionally, the Swedish holding company is currently exploring the potential sale of Gearbox, the publisher of Borderlands and Homeworld, which was acquired by Embracer in April 2021.

Embracer's closure of Volition in August put an end to their 30-year legacy, which included successful franchises like Saints Row and Red Faction. Similarly, Embracer recently shut down Campfire Cabal, the developer behind Expeditions: Rome, less than a year after their studio launch.

The fate of the TimeSplitters franchise remains uncertain if Free Radical Design shuts down. There is limited information available about the untitled new TimeSplitters game, which was specifically revived by Embracer through the reinstatement of Free Radical. The current progress of the game is unknown, and it is unclear whether Deep Silver intends to completely cancel it or transfer development to another studio.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of the TimeSplitters series, I am deeply saddened by the news that Free Radical Design, the developer behind the beloved franchise, faces potential closure due to the ongoing restructuring of its parent company, Embracer Group. The TimeSplitters games hold a special place in my heart, providing hours of entertainment and joy with their unique blend of humor, action, and time-traveling adventures.

The potential shutdown of Free Radical Design is a significant loss for the gaming industry, as the studio has consistently demonstrated its talent and creativity in developing innovative and engaging games. The TimeSplitters series, in particular, has left a lasting impact on the first-person shooter genre, and its fans have been eagerly anticipating the release of a new installment for years. The news of the studio's potential closure casts doubt on the future of the franchise and raises concerns about the preservation of its legacy.