Restructuring measures at the Embracer Group will continue into 2024. The next victim could be Piranha Bytes, which is apparently facing closure.
Piranha Bytes is currently working on elex 3, which is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5 in 2026. According to sources from Games podcast However, the employees have now received their notices of termination, which means the studio could be completely closed in the coming months.
Piranha Bytes is looking for a new partner
Optionally, and according to employees, Embracer would also sell the studio along with some of its brands; however, there would only be a small window of time before it is liquidated through the usual channels. What in this case... elex 3 The outcome would be completely open.
The fact that Piranha Bytes is currently hardly active is also suggested by the official Homepage The studio's website, which currently only contains a few contact details, has closed. The YouTube channel, which previously featured a regular video series, has also largely ceased operation.
Piranha Bytes was only acquired by THQ Nordic in 2019, which was later taken over by the Embracer Group. However, the studio's major successes have been limited so far, with most games landing in the mid-range of reviews.
There has been no statement yet from Piranha Bytes, Embracer, or THQ Nordic regarding the current situation. Following Volition and various other studios, Piranha Bytes would thus be yet another example of mismanagement within the Embracer Group.
[UpdateIn a first statement Following this announcement, Piranha Bytes acknowledges, to some extent, that the studio is currently in a less than ideal situation. However, they intend to fight for their future. They have not specified the exact nature of the current problems.
"Yes, that's true. We, Piranha Bytes, are in a difficult situation.. Our response to all the reportsThe message currently circulating is this: Don't write us off yet. We are doing everything we can to continue creating worlds where you can lose yourselves. This has always been our passion. We remain firmly convinced that we will succeed. We have no shortage of ideas or creative minds. Rest assured, we will stand together, no matter what.
It further states that they are currently looking for a new partner, which confirms the original report that the Embracer Group might consider closing Piranha Bytes if no other partner can be found for the studio.
As soon as there is further news, fans and players will be informed.
