Embracer Sells Gearbox, Borderlands Franchise to Take-Two for $460 Million

In a significant move within the gaming industry, Take-Two Interactive has acquired Gearbox Entertainment, the renowned studio behind the popular Borderlands franchise, from Embracer Group for a sum of $460 million. This acquisition not only secures the future of the Borderlands series but also brings several other beloved franchises under Take-Two’s umbrella.

The announcement comes with the exciting news that the next installment in the Borderlands franchise is already in active development at Gearbox. While details about the upcoming game remain scarce, Gearbox founder and CEO Randy Pitchford had previously teased that the studio’s next project would be “the greatest thing we’ve ever done,” fueling speculation that it could be the highly anticipated Borderlands 4.

In addition to the Borderlands series and its spin-off, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, Take-Two’s acquisition also includes the rights to iconic franchises such as Homeworld, Risk of Rain, Brothers in Arms, and Duke Nukem. This strategic move consolidates Gearbox Entertainment’s development teams and intellectual properties under Take-Two’s umbrella, ensuring a promising future for these beloved gaming experiences.

The acquisition encompasses Gearbox Software’s main studio in Frisco, Texas, as well as its Montreal and Quebec City studios. However, Embracer Group will retain certain assets, including Gearbox Publishing San Francisco (to be renamed), Cryptic Studios with its massively multiplayer online games, and support studios Lost Boys Interactive and Captured Dimensions.

We're incredibly proud to announce we're joining the Take-Two Interactive/@2K family. pic.twitter.com/ot1gJK4TUp
— GearboxOfficial (@GearboxOfficial) March 28, 2024

Pitchford, who will continue to lead Gearbox as a 2K studio alongside his management team, expressed confidence in the arrangement, stating, “I want to personally ensure fans of our games that this arrangement will ensure that the experiences we have in development at Gearbox will be the best it can possibly be.”

Take-Two’s acquisition of Gearbox Entertainment further solidifies its position as a major player in the gaming industry, adding a portfolio of acclaimed franchises to its existing lineup, which includes the highly successful Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption series.

While the financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, Take-Two has stated that it sees opportunities to “invest in new projects and to expand Gearbox’s proven franchises.” This acquisition aligns with Take-Two’s strategy of investing in talented development teams and beloved intellectual properties, ensuring a steady stream of compelling gaming experiences for its dedicated fan base.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve and consolidate, strategic acquisitions like this one position Take-Two at the forefront of delivering exceptional gaming experiences to players worldwide. With the next Borderlands game already in active development, fans can look forward to the continuation of this beloved franchise under Take-Two’s stewardship.