Embracer Group has been axing their assets left and right ever since their plans for a $2 billion deal with Saudi Arabia fell through back in May. Volition was the latest studio to suffer as a result of Embracer’s downsizing, and it looks like they may be far from the last, as a new report has surfaced stating that Embracer is now looking to offload Gearbox.

According to Bloomberg, Embracer Group shared plans to sell Gearbox Studios in a staff email earlier this morning. The Swedish holding company originally bought Gearbox back in February of 2021. Since then, Gearbox has only released one game in Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands and published a handful of smaller indie titles including Blanc and Have a Nice Death. Gearbox’s Chief Communications Officer Dan Hewitt had this to say about the studio’s plans following their separation from Embracer:

The base case is that Gearbox remains a part of Embracer. However, there are many options under consideration, including Gearbox’s transfer, taking Gearbox independent, and others. Ultimately, we’ll move ahead with whichever path is best for both Gearbox and Embracer. Nothing has been decided yet, but there will be a lot of speculation in the coming weeks.

While this isn’t necessarily a surprise given all the recent bad news stemming from Embracer, it’s still unfortunate to watch the dominoes fall. Hopefully, not too many other studios and game developers have to face closures or layoffs as a result of Embracer’s failed deal.

To read about Embracer’s plans for restructuring announced back in June, click here.

Source: Bloomberg