The studio behind Timesplitters has reportedly shut down. This comes after staff faced the dreaded “restructuring program” from parent company Embracer Group. The program has cannibalized several other studios while others have been reportedly put up for sale. Unfortunately, it seems as if the famed studio Free Radical Design is one of the latest casualties.
Rumors regarding the closure of the studio surfaced last month. A recent analysis of LinkedIn noted that at least 15 people employed at Free Radical Design have begun searching for work. Additionally, people close to the company have stated that the studio has been notified that it could be closed. There was a possibility that the studio could remain open, but it wasn’t too great.
Unfortunately, the worst has come to pass. At least that’s what the staff is telling the social media platform X. Photos and messages from Free Radical Design team members are now appearing over the web, with the most damning being a post from Wario64 that shows the studio being completely erased. Now, the company website shows a 404 message.
Free Radical Design (Timesplitters studio) has shut down
"404 Company Not Found :-("https://t.co/ndJZr8uLwl pic.twitter.com/wHN7qmFcHG
— Wario64 (@Wario64) December 11, 2023
Other equally solemn and grim posts come from former FRD members. Some of them talk about their condolences, while others express their gratitude toward working with the team.
The last day at FRD was very different from what I imagined. 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 pic.twitter.com/n1UGELsoED
— Adam Kiraly (@94Kiraly) December 11, 2023
Thats it, today was the last day of Free Radical Design. Missing a couple of people from the art team here but wanted to say how much I loved working with the team and the whole company at large, I wish we had a chance to show what we were capable of. Wishing you all the best <3 pic.twitter.com/GeebLheRjP
— Kieran Elliot Riley (@kieraneriley) December 11, 2023
Unfortunately, the gaming industry has been suffering from massive layoffs over the course of the year 2023. Many companies both in the Triple-A and the indie space have been laying off staff across the board. A website that tracks video game-related layoffs has noted that over 6,000 games industry jobs have been eliminated across over 100 studios. Still, it hurts to see Free Radical Design being axed off so unceremoniously just two years after being acquired by Embracer Group. One can only wonder what’s next for the parent company, considering the studios it has under its wing.