TimeSplitters developer Free Radical has shut down
Update: Embracer Group has now confirmed the closure of the studio in a statement to VGC. “It’s with a heavy heart that we must announce yet another difficult decision,” the company said. "Today, we have to confirm the official closure of Free Radical Design, and say goodbye to many remarkable, talented and hard-working people. We are beyond grateful for their incredible contributions to PLAION and wish them the best of luck and success on their professional journey from here on out.”
Former Free Radical Design developers have confirmed that the studio has closed its doors, just two years after reopening.
The details:
Last month, it was reported that a consultation period was underway at the Embracer Group-owned developer, with the studio potentially closing after it concluded. Embracer CEO Lars Wingefors then reportedly sent an internal email confirming the closure would likely take place on December 11 while thanking employees for their contributions over the years.
The company appears to have shut down, as its website has been replaced with a new message reading "404 Company Not Found:-(" and former employees have announced that yesterday was their last day at the developer. This includes Adam Kiraly, a senior tech artist who shared the news on X. "The last day at FRD was very different from what I imagined,” Kiraly wrote. “I don't think it sunk in properly just yet, but handed my keys in and left the building the last time. It's Time to Split.”
Developers began looking for work on LinkedIn last month, where it was revealed that all 80+ employees had been laid off, adding to Embracer's list of 900 employees affected by layoffs as part of its restructuring program.
Free Radical was reopened just two years ago under the leadership of its founders, Steve Ellis and David Doako, to work on a new entry in the beloved TimeSplitters franchise. The original studio went bankrupt in 2008 after the failure of Haze and the cancellation of its Star Wars: Battlefront project.
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