It appears that Free Radical Design, the studio behind the popular TimeSplitters franchise, may be shutting down as the fallout from Embracer Group’s recent restructuring continues. The news comes as a blow to fans of the TimeSplitters series, which has garnered a loyal following since its debut in 2000.
The rumors of Free Radical Design’s closure first began circulating after the studio’s parent company, Deep Silver Dambuster Studios, was merged with another Embracer Group subsidiary, 4A Games. This move was part of a larger restructuring effort by Embracer Group, which also saw the closure of several other studios and the layoff of numerous employees.
While Embracer Group has yet to officially confirm the closure of Free Radical Design, several reports from industry insiders and former employees have suggested that the studio is indeed shutting down. This news has been met with disappointment and frustration from fans of the TimeSplitters series, who had been eagerly anticipating the release of a new installment in the franchise.
The TimeSplitters series has a special place in the hearts of many gamers, thanks to its unique blend of fast-paced action and quirky humor. The franchise has been dormant since the release of TimeSplitters: Future Perfect in 2005, but there had been hope for a revival after the announcement of a new TimeSplitters game from the team at Free Radical Design.
Unfortunately, it now seems that those hopes have been dashed, as the closure of Free Radical Design puts the future of the TimeSplitters series in doubt. While Embracer Group has indicated that it intends to continue supporting its existing franchises and IPs, it remains unclear whether the TimeSplitters series will be among them.
The closure of Free Radical Design is just the latest casualty in a wave of studio closures and layoffs that have swept through the gaming industry in recent months. The ongoing fallout from Embracer Group’s restructuring is a stark reminder of the challenges that developers and studios face in an increasingly competitive and volatile industry.
For now, fans of the TimeSplitters series can only wait and hope for some positive news in the future. In the meantime, they can take comfort in the many fond memories and experiences that the series has provided over the years. And who knows – perhaps a new studio will rise up to carry on the legacy of TimeSplitters, bringing the series back to the forefront of the gaming world once again.
