In a surprising move, Embracer Group has initiated layoffs at Beamdog, the developer behind titles like Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition and Mythforce, less than two years after acquiring the studio. The Swedish conglomerate, which purchased Beamdog through its Aspyr Media subsidiary in April 2022, has reportedly laid off 26 members of the development team, including producers, artists, and quality assurance (QA) staff. Former Beamdog associate producer Misia Bloniarz confirmed the layoffs in a LinkedIn post, stating that “on Friday, 26 people were laid off at Beamdog, and I unfortunately am one of them.” This news was corroborated by other affected individuals, including the studio’s former QA manager Erin McIntyre and associate graphic artist Jill Hollet.
Hollet expressed gratitude for her time at Beamdog but also acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, saying, “I am incredibly grateful to them for affording me the opportunity to embark upon my professional journey in the industry. It has been an honor to collaborate with such exceptional individuals during my time there.” This development is part of Embracer Group’s ongoing restructuring efforts, which aim to make the company a “highly cash-flow generative business.” Embracer had previously announced plans to transition away from its heavy-investment approach, focusing on optimizing its portfolio and capabilities.
The layoffs at Beamdog are not an isolated incident within Embracer Group, as the company has been streamlining its operations, leading to studio closures and layoffs across its subsidiaries. Notable studios like Volition and Campfire Cabal have already been closed, while other companies like Gearbox Publishing and Rainbow Studios have seen workforce reductions.
My mind goes all sad every time I see “Embracer Group” in a headline these days.
And meanwhile some on this site would like Microsoft to buy Nintendo, saying that it will be positive!! Lol
Literally nothing to do with each other.
They are completely different companies.
Everything to do with each other.
They are completely different companies.
Layoffs and consolidation are what would happen. Just like any aquisition.
I thought crystal and eidos being sold by Square Enix to these guys would be good but now i’m worried really really worried.
Tell that to the people at Ensemble Studios and Lionhead…
I assume the start of the first sentence: “In a surprising move…” was intended as sarcasm. Layoffs follow acquisitions like thunder after lightning.
Yes!!! And now, bring back the normal versions of Baldur’s Gate 1 and 2.
Layoffs do indeed follow every acquisition. Just ask guys like Dolph Ziggler.