/Thread - 4/3/24
Another rough week in videogame land, but at least Embracer's done.
Greetings, traveler, and welcome to /Thread, a weekly roundup of what’s happening in the game industry, for game industry professionals, just like you.
Today’s Densely Daily Dosage
Gearbox Gutted - Embracer’s woes have been well documented, but their asset divestment spree apparently came to a conclusion last week, when they sold Gearbox to Take-Two for $460MM, about one-third of what they paid to acquire the studio in 2021. While the news was good for Embracer, it was godawful for the huge swathe of people at Gearbox who were laid off in the acquisition.
Embracer’s Done, but not Done Done - After the Gearbox sale, Embracer announced they’ve completed their restructuring, and it’s “way too early” to contemplate future acquisitions. Maybe just, um, don’t do that anymore?
Thank you, ChatGPT. I have no notes. Dragon’s Dogma 2 Sells, Then Sells - Dragon’s Dogma 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the cult classic Dragon’s Dogma, screamed out of its release to the tune of 10 million copies sold. Its launch hasn’t been without problems, though; players were surprised to find microtransactions in the game, and weren’t quiet about it.
SOA Unionizes - Workers at Sega of America formalized a union agreement with the publisher last week, scoring collective bargaining concessions for 150 people, which includes base raises, layoff protection, and a guarantee to support hybrid working. After the year of 10,000 layoffs, it’s great to see members of the industry work together to protect themselves.
I’m posting actually cool game news now because this newsletter is turning into a doom scrolling summary. Here’s a quick roundup:
CDPR a No on Microtransactions in Singleplayer Games - Piotr Nielubowicz, CDPR’s CFO, has said they don’t plan to include microtransactions in their singleplayer games. Given their games release at premium prices, this should be a breath of fresh air to players.
Coffee Stain Announces As We Descend - Valheim Publisher Coffee Stain announced As We Descend, a *drumroll* rogue-like deckbuilder created by former devs at Stunlock. Fingers crossed Coffee Stain can strike gold again in an increasingly crowded genre.
Some People Are 4060 Tis, Some People are 4090s - According to an article in PLOS ONE, some people see the world at a higher temporal rate - or refresh rate, in gamer terms - which gives them an edge when they need to track motion. I can’t even see a curveball. Which obviously explains why I suck at League of Legends.
By The Numbers
$2MM - How much Richard Garfield-founded Popularium scored in investment last week.
$120MM - CDPR’s profit in 2023.
Better Know An Indie
Solium Infernum is a new take on turn-based strategy games. Take the Infernal Throne in this hellish turn-based grand strategy game. The Prince of Darkness has vanished, leaving Archfiends to conspire: muster your legions while intoning dark sorceries, devilish schemes, and machiavellian plots. Who will be the new ruler of Hell and ascend the Throne? Grab it on Steam for $39.99.
Have a Great Week
As always, thanks for stopping by. We’ll see you next week!