According to a report by Video Games Chronicle (VGC) Free Radical Design, a regarded game development studio from the UK known for their contributions to the TimeSplitters and Crysis series is facing a potential shutdown. This worrisome news comes two years after the studio’s revival under the protection of its parent company, Deep Silver. As a subsidiary of Deep Silver, which’s part of the Embracer Groups umbrella that includes Plaion, Free Radical Design finds itself caught up in the consequences of Embracer’s recent restructuring efforts.
It is also being reported that the employees have been informed of the potential closure of the studios as part of the strategic realignment being exercised by Embracer. Plaion have denied to divulge any information regarding the same. Earlier this year, Volitions Studios, the developers responsible for the Saints Row series, was also shut down in this realignment effort.
The post explained that “as part of that program they evaluated operational goals and made the difficult decision to close Volition immediately.” In continuation of the events occurring within the Embracer Group, Crystal Dynamics, a studio known for its contributions, to the Gex series and multiple Tomb Raider games made an announcement in September that it had separated from ten members of its team.
While the studio itself is making an earnest effort to adapt to the varying business demands, the fate of Free Radical Design is still uncertain. This may also have a direct impact on the TimeSplitters IP, which is a cult classic and something that fans have been waiting for with bated breath. Do you think Free Radical Design will continue to function come 2024? Or will TimeSplitters face a premature end.
