After a tumultuous period of layoffs, game cancellations, and studio closures, Embracer Group has announced it will be putting mergers and acquisitions on hold for the time being. The company’s comprehensive restructuring program, initiated last year following the collapse of a major $2 billion partnership deal, has now concluded.
In a recent investor call, Embracer Group CEO Lars Wingefors acknowledged that it is “way too early” for the company to start discussing any new studio acquisitions. The priority, he stated, is to “increase profitability and cash flow generation by simply making better products and games” with the remaining assets and teams within the group.
Wingefors revealed that Embracer has been frequently approached by companies interested in acquiring certain assets from the group. However, he firmly stated that these assets are “not for sale” as they remain crucial for the company’s future success and value for shareholders.
The restructuring process, which lasted nine months, saw Embracer part ways with studios like Saints Row developer Volition, TimeSplitters’ Free Radical, and cancel dozens of games across its portfolio. Additionally, the company laid off over 1,300 employees as part of its efforts to streamline operations and focus on profitability.
Notably, Embracer recently agreed to sell Gearbox Entertainment, the studio behind franchises like Borderlands and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, to Take-Two Interactive for $460 million. This move was part of the broader restructuring initiative, as Wingefors revealed that the divested companies had “negative cash flow.”
With the restructuring now complete, Embracer Group aims to leverage its remaining studios, intellectual properties, and resources more effectively. The company plans to prioritize quality game development and improved financial performance before considering any new acquisition opportunities.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Embracer’s strategic shift towards consolidation and profitability highlights the challenges faced by major publishers in navigating an increasingly competitive landscape.
