Image via 3D Realms/1C Entertainment.
Reports are circulating about more layoffs this week, this time affecting 3D Realms and Slipgate Entertainment, both subsidiaries of Embracer following its 2021 acquisition.
According to the founder of 3D Realms, Scott Miller, “at least half” of the combined company has been affected. Michael Markie, a lead composer at 3D Realms/Slipgate, also confirmed the layoffs, stating that he got laid off “for Christmas this year!”
Miller expressed concern, stating that “a lot of people, including core devs, will be looking for work asap.” This round of layoffs impacted him personally, as he had been with 3DR since 2014 before the company was bought out by Embracer.
Embracer layoffs in 2023
Embracer has seen numerous layoffs in 2023, often occurring multiple times in the same month. Recently, it has reduced staff at Fishlabs, Cryptic Studios, and more.
Earlier this week, Free Radical Design officially closed its doors, after Embracer revived the studio in 2021 with the specific purpose of developing a new TimeSplitters game that never materialized.
Originally known as Apogee Software before rebranding in the mid-90s, 3D Realms was founded by Miller in 1987. It is best known for the early Duke Nukem games and 1992’s Wolfenstein 3D.
After the troubled production of Duke Nukem Forever, 3D Realms was acquired by SDN Invest in 2014, which was also part-owner of Interceptor Entertainment, the studio that would eventually become known as Slipgate Ironworks.
3D Realms published Slipgate’s Bombshell in what was its first published title since 2005. It has since published several Slipgate titles, including Ghostrunner (co-developed by One More Level) and the upcoming Graven and Core Decay.
Game Developer has reached out to Embracer for comment and will update this story when a response is provided.
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