Gothic developer Piranha Bytes closes under Embracer Group, leaders open new studio
Piranha Bytes, the German studio behind Gothic, Risen, and Elex, has closed its doors after announcing it was in a "difficult situation" under Embracer Group.
The details:
Earlier this year, the developer stated that it was in a "difficult situation" due to Embracer's restructuring plan. However, it was looking to "find a partner" for its next project, suggesting it might also find a new owner.
As reported by German outlet GameStar, Piranha Bytes officially closed at the end of June, but its leadership has since founded a new studio, Pithead Studio. The developer, founded by Björn Pankratz and Jennifer Pankratz, announced its formation on X, along with a YouTube video outlining future plans.
In the video, the founders state that more information about Piranha Bytes' final months will be shared in the future through its YouTube videos, which will be released every Monday. The pair also revealed that the name Pithead is derived from the mine shaft entrances in Ruhr, Germany, where they are based.
Embracer's restructuring program resulted in thousands of job losses, project cancellations, and studio closures, including Saints Row studio Volition and TimeSplitters developer Free Radical. After the program ended earlier this year, Embracer announced that it would be split into three separate entities, each with its own focus and goals.
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