Just three days after the confirmation of Free Radical’s studio closure, Embracer is yet again making more cuts as layoffs have been confirmed at both 3D Realms and Slipgate.
Scott Miller, the original founder of Apogee Software, Ltd., which is known today as 3D Realms, took to X to confirm the news of layoffs hitting both 3D Realms and Slipgate.
Several sources have told me this bad news… Sorry to hear about another drop of the axe by Embracer Group, this time landing on Danish 3D Realms. A lot of people, including core devs, will be looking for work asap. Hopefully they land jobs soon. This one hits me hard because I…
— Scott Miller – Apogee/3DR Founder☢️ (@ScottApogee) December 14, 2023
“Several sources have told me this bad news… Sorry to hear about another drop of the axe by Embracer Group, this time landing on Danish 3D Realms. A lot of people, including core devs, will be looking for work asap. Hopefully, they land jobs soon. This one hits me hard because I worked with the new 3DR from 2014 up until when they were bought out by Embracer 2.5 yrs ago.”
In a follow-up, he states that about half of the employees at each studio have been laid off.
More and more sources have told me at least half the company (Slipgate/3DR) is laid off. We're looking at hiring at least 2-3.
— Scott Miller – Apogee/3DR Founder☢️ (@ScottApogee) December 14, 2023
While these are from unnamed sources, Miller’s credentials of being a founder likely mean he still has connections at the studio. That, and 3D Realms Lead Level Designer also took to X to confirm the news, with him being a part of the layoffs.
For Christmas this year, I got laid off! 🥳
— Markie (@markiemusicpro) December 14, 2023
If anyone is looking for a level designer or audio please hit me up!
Another confirming their status at the studio.
I guess 2023 wouldn't be complete without me losing the best job I've ever had in my life 😅
— Hexenkraft (@HexenkraftMusic) December 14, 2023
I'll figure it out… I guess.
This year has been a very bad year for the gaming industry in general, as countless studios have been hit with layoffs and closures. Embracer Group especially has been more in the spotlight, as they’ve closed down numerous studios, canceled several projects, and laid off nearly 1000 employees this year alone. This likely isn’t the last of it either.
Heartbreaking, especially with it being a little over 10 days before Christmas when so many need the extra income. Our hearts go out to all the developers affected by this, and previous layoffs. Let us pray that no studios are impacted before the New Year, though unfortunately, we don’t anticipate this being the last layoff we hear from Embracer.