Tag Archives: Embracer Group

Business, Games, Gaming, News

Eidos Montreal confirms reduction of workforce despite there are projects running

Eidos Montreal, the studio behind acclaimed titles like Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, has once again found itself in the unfortunate position of laying off employees. The company recently announced that 75 staff members would be let go due to the conclusion of one of its mandates. While the studio has assured that its ongoing projects remain unaffected, this move raises concerns about the broader challenges facing the gaming industry.

The Reason Behind the Layoffs

According to Eidos Montreal, the layoffs are not a reflection of the employees’ skills or dedication but rather a result of the studio’s inability to reallocate them to other projects. The company stated that it is working to support those affected during this transition, emphasizing the talent and experience of the individuals entering the job market.

This announcement follows a series of layoffs within the gaming industry, particularly among studios under the Embracer Group umbrella, which acquired Eidos Montreal in 2022. The acquisition initially sparked excitement, with hopes of revitalizing franchises like Deus Ex. However, financial struggles within Embracer Group led to project cancellations and workforce reductions, including a previous round of layoffs at Eidos Montreal in 2024.

A Pattern of Industry-Wide Layoffs

Eidos Montreal is not alone in facing workforce reductions. The gaming industry has seen widespread layoffs over the past few years, with major studios cutting staff due to financial constraints, project cancellations, and shifting priorities. Embracer Group itself has been undergoing restructuring, affecting multiple studios, including Crystal Dynamics.

The layoffs at Eidos Montreal highlight the volatility of the gaming industry, where even successful studios are not immune to financial pressures. While the company remains committed to delivering its ongoing projects, the future remains uncertain for both the studio and its employees.

What’s Next for Eidos Montreal?

Despite the layoffs, Eidos Montreal has assured fans that its current projects remain in development. The studio has been assisting Playground Games with the upcoming Fable reboot, though it is unclear whether this collaboration will continue following the recent workforce reduction.

For the affected employees, the transition will be challenging, but their experience and talent will undoubtedly make them valuable assets in the gaming industry. As the industry continues to evolve, studios must find ways to balance financial sustainability with creative ambition.

The layoffs at Eidos Montreal serve as a stark reminder of the industry’s unpredictability. While the studio remains committed to its future projects, the gaming world watches closely to see how it navigates these turbulent times.

What are your thoughts on the state of the gaming industry? Do you think Embracer Group’s restructuring will stabilize in the coming years? Let’s discuss.

Business, Games, Gaming, News

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 brings ease at the finances of Embracer Group

Embracer Group, a major player in the gaming industry, recently released its Q3 earnings report for the fiscal year 2024/25. The report presents a mixed picture, with some segments showing declines while others have managed to grow.

Financial Overview

  • Net Sales: Embracer Group reported net sales of $685 million, a decrease of 3% compared to the same period last year. This figure includes a 7% organic growth.
  • Segment Performance:
    • PC/Console Games: This segment saw a significant decline of 23%, with sales dropping to $241 million.
    • Mobile Games: There was a slight increase of 2%, bringing sales to $155 million.
    • Entertainment & Services: This segment performed well, with a 19% increase in sales, reaching $286 million.
  • EBIT: The company’s earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) amounted to $59 million, a decrease of 305 million SEK.
  • Adjusted EBIT: Adjusted EBIT decreased by 11% to $133 million, corresponding to an adjusted EBIT margin of 16%.
  • Cash Flow: Cash flow from operating activities was $183 million, and free cash flow after changes in working capital amounted to $97 million.

Embracer Group’s CEO, Lars Wingefors, commented on the report, highlighting the successful spin-off and listing of Asmodee Group as a non-current asset. He emphasized the company’s strong foundation for future value creation and reassured investors about the company’s performance.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Shines Bright

One of the standout performers for Embracer Group has been Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, developed by Warhorse Studios. The game has exceeded expectations, selling nearly 2 million copies in less than a month. It set six concurrent player records on Steam, peaking at over 250,000 simultaneous players.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s success is attributed to its high-quality production and the strong support from the gaming community. The game’s launch day saw over 1 million copies sold, quickly surpassing its predecessor in both sales and reviews.

Embracer Group is optimistic about the future, with a robust roadmap of new content and updates for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. The company believes that investing time and resources in high-quality titles is crucial for sustained success in the competitive gaming market.