Embracer Shuts Down Alone in the Dark Developer Pieces Interactive

The acquisition of Pieces Interactive by Embracer Group did not seem to have an immediate impact on the studio's operations. Pieces Interactive continued to work on projects, such as the expansion for Titan Quest and the reimagining of Alone in the Dark. However, after the release of Alone in the Dark, which had a "softer than expected performance," Embracer Group made a round of layoffs at Pieces Interactive. Ultimately, Pieces Interactive was shut down by Embracer Group, joining other studios that have faced closure or layoffs under Embracer's ownership.

Embracer Group has recently undergone significant restructuring, which has involved selling off major studios, including Gearbox Software and Saber Interactive. Gearbox Entertainment, the studio behind the Borderlands games, was sold to Take-Two Interactive for $460 million. This sale included the Borderlands franchise and its spinoff series Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, as well as the Homeworld, Risk of Rain, Brothers in Arms, and Duke Nukem series.

Saber Interactive, on the other hand, was sold to Beacon Interactive, a company controlled by Saber Interactive co-founder Matthew Karch, for a purchase price of $247 million. As part of this divestment, Embracer Group will cease all operations in Russia, immediately improving the company’s cash flow, and reducing capex, net debt, and future liabilities. Saber Interactive will retain the following subsidiary studios after the split: All Saber Interactive-branded studios, DIGIC, Fractured Byte, Mad Head Games, New World Interactive, Nimble Giant Entertainment, Sandbox Strategies, Slipgate Ironworks, and 3D Realms.

These divestments are part of Embracer's ongoing restructuring efforts aimed at cutting costs and focusing on more sustainable business practices.