The Rise and Fall of Embracer (aka THQ Nordic)

[d1r]

Guess we won't be seeing a Killing Floor 3 anytime soon.

 

[HoboForEternity]

No elex 3???

 

[Angthoron]

TLDR: "We borrowed too much money and interest rates went up."

The rest is spin. A "worsening economy" is positive for game sales because they are an economical substitute for other entertainment.

They've also managed to kill at least one golden goose by releasing Soy's Raw. Imagine fucking up a release of a GTA-like in a GTA-like drought.

 

[DeepOcean]

I've never seen a company with so much money, potential and so little wisdom.

Embracer group is the extreme example of what happens when financiers try to make anything productive but dont have the slight clue of how to do it.

 

[-M-]

I've never seen a company with so much money, potential and so little wisdom.

Microsoft.

 

[Infinitron]

THQ Nordic showcase today:



https://www.thqnordic.com/article/b...-thq-nordic-digital-showcase-airs-august-11th

Brighten Your Tomorrow: THQ Nordic Digital Showcase Airs August 11th!​

Vienna/Austria, August 10th, 2023: "ICYMI" as the fresh young people on the internet say: THQ Nordic's Digital Showcase 2023 will air on Friday, August 11th, 2023, at 12 PM PDT / 3 PM EDT / 8 PM BST / 9 PM CEST / 10 PM EEST.

HandyGames will once again start off with a pre-show and present what they are cooking - so tune in early for some awesome indie-extravaganza!

This year's showcase will not only include world premiere announcements but also feature news and reveals for previously-announced games. Without giving too much away, if you want to learn more about some of our titles like Alone in the Dark, Gothic, Outcast: A New Beginning, Wreckreation, or Trine 5, we kindly invite you to tune in and check out our showcase!

Official THQ Nordic channels to watch the Showcase:

• YouTube: https://thqn.net/thqn2023-yt
• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/thqnordic
• Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/publisher/THQNordic

Official THQ Nordic channels with copyright-free music:
Copyright Free (for streamers):

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thqnordicinside
• Twitch: www.twitch.tv/thqnordicinside

Invitation to co-stream the THQ Nordic Showcase
We are more than happy to invite content creators and media outlets all over the world to co-stream the showcase on August 11th on their own channels & react to what we are showing. Our official stream starts on Friday, August 11th, 2023 at 11:40 AM PDT / 2:40 PM EDT / 7:40 PM BST / 8:40 PM CEST / 9:40 PM EEST with a neat little countdown and the HandyGames Pre-Show! In case you have any questions, please reach out to: contentcreators@thqnordic.com

 

[Infinitron]

OK, here we go.

 

[Infinitron]

https://www.thqnordic.com/article/t...d-many-more-thq-nordics-digital-showcase-2023

Vienna/Austria, August 11th, 2023: The curtains have closed on the exciting 2023 edition of THQ Nordic's Digital Showcase! We're thrilled to have shared an abundance of exciting updates about a wide array of our games. Feel free to explore our channels and watch the video-on-demand (VOD) to catch up on all the thrilling news and announcements.

Official THQ Nordic channels to re-watch the Showcase:

• YouTube: https://thqn.net/3OQf3fr
• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/thqnordic

THQ Nordic Publisher Sale
To celebrate the new announcements and all of our games, THQ Nordic is doing its week-long big publisher sale from August 10th, 19:00 CEST / 10:00 AM PDT until August 17, 19:00 CEST / 10:00 AM PDT. Dozens of games are available with a huge discount and you can also find all of our upcoming games or all playable demos here: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/THQNordicPubli...

Of course, we do have news to share about our games - as well as new assets, you can find them here:
https://thqn.net/ds23-media

Here's what the showcase had to offer:

TITAN QUEST II
The legendary Action RPG makes its triumphant return! Once more, players will be immersed in the mythological realm of ancient Greece, facing unimaginable challenges, striving for exquisite loot, and combining different masteries to create unique, powerful character builds. Their ultimate goal is to stop Nemesis, the Goddess of Retribution herself, as she weaves malevolence into the Threads of Fate itself. Are you prepared to challenge a deity and etch your own heroic saga?

Forged in the creative crucible of Grimlore Games in Germany, Titan Quest II is currently under development. This epic odyssey is destined for PC, eagerly anticipated to launch when the time comes.

Wishlist Titan Quest II on Steam: https://thqn.net/tq2-steam
Check out the Announcement Trailer: https://youtu.be/bY6yb8OoFvw

GOTHIC REMAKE
Welcome to the Old Camp! Join us on a guided tour through the most opulent and expansive encampment in the Valley of Mines. We'll follow a charismatic scoundrel as they leisurely navigate the city, observe their amiable interactions with the locals, and witness them witnessing the fervor of the arena battles!

Watch the new trailer: https://youtu.be/GUnzf9krUIs

The Gothic Remake is currently in full development, and only Innos knows when it will arrive on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X!
Wishlist or read more about the game here:
Steam: https://thqn.net/g1r-steam
GOG: https://thqn.net/g1r-gog
PSN: https://thqn.net/g1r-psn
Xbox: https://thqn.net/g1r-xbox

SOUTH PARK: SNOW DAY!
South Park Digital Studios, THQ Nordic, and Question Games announce SOUTH PARK: SNOW DAY! – the coolest 4-player co-op game, in 3D. Watch the teaser trailer here: https://youtu.be/yEv35KH-DXQ

Join Cartman, Stan, Kyle and Kenny, in three-dimensional glory, to celebrate the most magical day in any young child’s life - a snow day! Grab up to three friends and battle your way through the snow-piled streets of South Park on a quest to save the world and enjoy a day without school.
SOUTH PARK: SNOW DAY! available in 2024 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.

OUTCAST - A NEW BEGINNING
The latest trailer for Outcast - A New Beginning takes you on a fantastic journey with the Ulukaï - the name given to our hero, Cutter Slade, by the Talans. He is the chosen one destined to reunite the people of Adelpha and liberate it from the invaders! Discover how all living things on Adelpha coexist in harmony and learn how to forge alliances or gain powerful abilities. Think strategically and act as a true hero, making a difference wherever you go.

Wishlist Outcast - A New Beginning on Steam: https://thqn.net/oanb-steam
Check out the Welcome to Adelpha Trailer: https://youtu.be/jX8uTzA-USg

SPACE FOR SALE
A mysterious planet, far, far away. Home to strange wildlife and weird creatures - it's the ideal place to make a fortune! As an intergalactic property developer, your mission is to construct habitats for eccentric alien clients and sell them for a sweet profit.

The game is currently in development for PC by Mirage Game Studios in Sweden, renowned for their work on Little Big Workshop. If you're eager to be among the first explorers to set foot on all the exciting new worlds that Space for Sale has to offer, you can now sign up for the closed beta test here:
https://spaceforsale.thqnordic.com/
Wishlist Space for Sale on Steam: http://thqn.net/sfs-steam
Watch the Showcase 2023 Trailer: https://youtu.be/Z0lUETx9pPE

TRINE 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy
What's the ultimate joy of the gamer's life? Gathering on the couch with a group of friends to embark on a hilarious co-op gaming session, right? Get ready to experience this thrill with the upcoming puzzle platformer, Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy. You can team up with up to three friends - or even delivery drivers if you fancy - in this adventure. Of course, you can play all alone and switch between the different heroes: Assume the roles of Amadeus the Wizard, Zoya the Thief, and Pontius the Knight, each equipped with distinct skill sets. Together, conquer all the challenges, solve riddles, and vanquish every foe! Be sure to check out the exhilarating new trailer: https://youtu.be/m5_ZWXsxpRs

Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy has started its pre-order today. If you grab the game before its launch on August 31st, you can save 20% compared to the SRT of $ 29.99 / € 29.99 / £ 24.99.

Pre-Order Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy now:
Steam: http://thqn.net/t5cc-steam
Epic Games Store: https://thqn.net/t5cc-egs
Gog.com: https://thqn.net/t5cc-gog

Xbox Pre-Order: https://www.microsoft.com/store/productid/9p9906tv3z64
PlayStation Pre-Order: https://store.playstation.com/concept/10007533

ALONE IN THE DARK
Both protagonists of the upcoming horror game have a few words about Alone in the Dark - so let's hear what Emily Hartwood (Jodie Comer) and Edward Carnby (David Harbour) have to say.
Jodie Comer is Emily Hartwood: https://youtu.be/FTY4J2MpyCE
David Harbour is Edward Carnby: https://youtu.be/zZghSKV5nwk
You can already pre-order Alone in the Dark here:
Xbox: https://thqn.net/aitd-xbox
PS5: https://thqn.net/aitd-psn

Get your hands on the free prologue here:
Steam: https://thqn.net/aitdp-steam
Xbox: https://thqn.net/aitdp-xbox
SIEE: https://thqn.net/aitdp-psne
SIEA: https://thqn.net/aitdp-psna
SIEJ: https://thqn.net/aitdp-psnj

LAST TRAIN HOME
Witness the incredible survival journey of the Czechoslovak legion and catch the world premiere of the first gameplay trailer for Last Train Home, exclusively unveiled on THQ Nordic Showcase! The epic survival strategy game inspired by real historical events is coming to PC in 2023.
Wishlist Last Train Home on Steam: http://thqn.net/lth-steam
Watch the Gameplay Reveal Trailer: https://youtu.be/DhqorBOSI0Y

TEMPEST RISING
Attention, Commander! Code Red situation! Dynasty Forces are mounting a substantial assault on our perimeter. This is a major attack, and we need to be on high alert. The newly released trailer for 3D Realm's upcoming real-time strategy game, Tempest Rising, offers a sneak peek into the intense and action-packed gameplay you can expect.

But that's not all, soldier! The time to act is NOW! The game is available for immediate deployment as of today, August 11th, and will remain accessible until Monday, August 28th, exclusively on the Steam platform. Take advantage of this crucial opportunity to immerse yourself in Tempest Rising!

Furthermore, we strongly recommend that while you're on Steam, you mark Tempest Rising as a priority by adding it to your wishlist. This will serve as a strategic directive, ensuring you stay informed about any critical updates and reinforcements for our operations. Move swiftly, and may victory be ours!
Tempest Rising is playable on Steam right now: http://thqn.net/tr-steam
Check out the latest Trailer: https://youtu.be/D30riyE8ZmY

WRECKREATION
At times, a project can escalate far beyond the initial expectations. Such is the case in the latest Wreckreation trailer, where a group of friends embarked on building a racing track, and things spiraled into something grander than they imagined. What they've crafted is a colossal, fantastical, and wonderfully eccentric track, showcasing in Wreckreation that the sole boundary is the reach of your imagination!
Wishlist Wreckreation on Steam: https://thqn.net/w-steam
Check out the Showcase 2023 Trailer: https://youtu.be/pk34AhP_H6s

WAY OF THE HUNTER
Released today, Way of the Hunter unveils an exciting new DLC that transports players to the captivating African wilds - the Tikamoon Plains! This expansion not only introduces a vast, uncharted landscape for exploration but also includes a delightful array of fresh animal species. Additionally, it brings forth new gameplay enhancements, such as expanded difficulty options and an arsenal of new weapons.

Check out the Tikamoon Plains Launch Trailer: https://youtu.be/nq3nVgLdWzc

Way of the Hunter - Tikamoon Plains is available now for PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S at an SRP of $ 9.99 / € 9.99 / £ 7.99 on August 11, 2023. The base game Way of the Hunter is required to play. Way of the Hunter is available for PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S at an SRP of $ 39.99 / € 39.99 / £ 34.99.

Way of the Hunter Season Pass
It includes the new Tikamoon Plains DLC as well as the already released Aurora Shores DLC, each offering a new, vast region and coming with new animals and weapons. Also, the Way of the Hunter Hunter's Pack is included in the Season Pass. It's available at an SRP of $ 19.99 / € 19.99 / £ 15.99.

Get the game here:
Steam: https://thqn.net/woth-steam
GOG: https://thqn.net/woth-gog
Epic Games Store: https://thqn.net/woth-egs
Xbox: https://thqn.net/woth-xbox
PSN: https://thqn.net/woth-psn

TMNT: The Last Ronin
Who is the Last Ronin? In a future, battle-ravaged New York City, a lone surviving Turtle embarks on a seemingly hopeless mission seeking justice for the family he lost. From the minds of the creators of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and based on the best-selling comic book event by Eastman, Waltz, Bishop, Delgado, and the Escorza Brothers: the official video game adaptation of TMNT: The Last Ronin.

Coming to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Check out the TMNT: The Last Ronin (The Game) Reveal Trailer on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nx2ixJFWXcg

For more info about all of THQ Nordic games, follow us on social media or visit our website:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/THQNordic
Twitter ... or X, whatever: https://twitter.com/THQNordic

 

[flyingjohn]

Minus the train game, this was very underwhelming. Why did they even buy the rights to Deus Ex/Thief?
Gothic was practically a cinematic trailer instead of gameplay.

 

[ferratilis]

The Rise and Fall of Embracer (aka THQ Nordic) - burying all the IPs​

FTFY

 

[PorkyThePaladin]

I had hope, then ELEX 2 and Expeditions: Rome happened. Now I only have Crispy.

 

[Cat Headed Eagle]

I had hope, then ELEX 2 and Expeditions: Rome happened. Now I only have Crispy.

 

[Groover]

With the non-stop churning out of creatively bankrupt slop from both the AAA and indie scenes, I ask myself: have we tapped the traditional video game medium completely dry? Is it time to fundamentally re-invent what it means to play video games? I get the impression that there's no where to go beyond here if we don't radically shake things up. This latest showcase just re-affirmed that for me.

Edit: It seems like we're comfortable just re-iterating the past with a veneer of modern glitz, and the immediate response is profit-driven fear of innovation.. but is there really much more we can do with flat screens, keyboard and mice/thumbstick controller layouts? I sense a general fatigue from all of the big players.

 

[duskvile]

Why did they even buy the rights to Deus Ex/Thief?

To make new franchines. happy dance

 

[tritosine2k]

Boondoggle like FB's VR but they can't even dripfeed that badly as FB.

 

[Outlander]

That Trine 5... Thing was one of the cringiest trailers I've ever seen.

 

[deuxhero]

Pro: No wastes of time announcers, everything except Gothic and Titans Quest 2 had actual gameplay to show (no TES6), everything was very straightforward.
Con: None of what they showed was particularly interesting.

Why did they even buy the rights to Deus Ex/Thief?

To flip the Tomb Raider film rights. They've already made money off the deal (unless the speculation the figure given by Amazon was in Swedish money instead of USD is correct, then they "only" made over a 6th of the cost back in a month for trading temporary access to something most companies can't capitalize on). Also same reason they've bought everything: Back catalog sales. Compare Capcom, whose back catalog is far less available on modern digital distribution than Eidos (and much of which is there of Capcom's work takes way too much effort with fan patches etc. to make work). They consider back catalog sales to be responsible for some large double digit percents of its revenue. Remember that Eidos has loads more on PC and current gen consoles, and that digital distribution of classics is essentially free.

 

[HoboForEternity]

elex 2 direct x 12 patch when

 

[Paul_cz]

That Trine 5... Thing was one of the cringiest trailers I've ever seen.

It is mindblowing how TERRIBLE THQN is at marketing. Although if Frozenbyte actually approved this (and had possibility to disapprove it), then they deserve what they get.

That said, Trine games (apart from T3) are awesome, and despite THQN's best efforts to be terrible at marketing, the actual games they have shown look good. These games specifically

Alone in the Dark
Outcast 2
Gothic Remake
Tempest Rising
Last Train Home
Trine 5
Titan Quest II

Yes, I know, Gothic is just a cutscene, but atmosphere looks on point.

 

[Modron]

Outcast 2 looks good, still haven't finished 1 or 2 other Trines, and I am interested in seeing how the train one pans out.

 

[lycanwarrior]

 

[Morgoth]

LONDON, Sept 11 (Reuters) - Embracer isconsidering options for its U.S. game developer GearboxEntertainment including a sale as Europe's largest gamingcompany looks to shore up its finances, three people familiarwith the matter told Reuters.

The maker of Tomb Raider video games, whose shares aretraded in Stockholm, is working with Goldman Sachs and Aream &Co to explore a sale, the people said.


Embracer is weighing selling the unit, which is known forfirst-person shooter game Borderlands, after receiving interestfrom third parties, two of the people said.

Officials from Embracer and Goldman Sachs declined tocomment. Aream did not respond to requests for comment.

In June Embracer's announced a restructuring to reduce itsnet debt to less than SEK 10 billion ($903 million) by the endof its financial year from SEK 16.7 billion at the end of June.The plans, which include studio closures, cancelled projects andlayoffs, follows what CEO Lars Wingefors described as a"challenging year" for the company.

Embracer, majority owned by founder Wingefors, purchasedGearbox in February 2021 in a deal that valued the business atup to $1.4 billion at the time.

Gearbox marketing materials are already available forpotential buyers, which consist mainly of international gaminggroups, said two of the people.

The sources, who requested anonymity as the matter isconfidential, cautioned a deal may not happen.

Gearbox, which sits under Embracer's PC console gamessegment, published its latest title Remnant 2 last month, whichtopped U.S. charts for July.

Embracer, which has a catalog of over 900 owned franchises,announced a review of its business to navigate challengingeconomic conditions last November, which could result inspin-offs of units.

In May, Embracer said it had reached a verbal commitmentwith an undisclosed party the previous October that would haveresulted in more than $2 billion "in contracted developmentrevenue" over six years. However, at the final hour it said it"received a negative outcome from the counterparty", causing itsshares to drop by more than 40%.

LOL. Alter Schwede.

 

[flyingjohn]

Embracer:
Hey Randy, what is the timetable for a new full borderlands game since we need monies?
Randy:
10+ years, give or take.
Embracer:
Anybody wanna buy Gearbox?

 

[ds]

"The maker of Tomb Raider video games"

They only gobbled up the studio/license last year and haven't yet released anything using it but it already defines them?

 

[Infinitron]

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...group-looks-to-sell-video-game-studio-gearbox

Embracer Group Looks to Sell Video Game Studio Gearbox​

The game developer is best known for Borderlands, which has generated more than $1 billion in revenue

Swedish video-game conglomerate Embracer Group AB is looking to sell Gearbox Entertainment just two-and-a-half years after purchasing the studio for $1.3 billion. Gearbox will also explore other options including spinning it off, the company said in an email to staff Monday morning.

The Frisco, Texas-based game developer is best known for Borderlands, a video-game series that has sold 77 million copies and generated more than $1 billion in revenue. Reuters first reported the potential sale.

“The base case is that Gearbox remains a part of Embracer,” wrote Gearbox Chief Communications Officer Dan Hewitt in an email to staff seen by Bloomberg. “However, there are many options under consideration, including Gearbox’s transfer, taking Gearbox independent, and others. Ultimately, we’ll move ahead with whichever path is best for both Gearbox and Embracer.”

Embracer has spent the past few years snatching up game studios all across the world but this year began a period of reorganization following a failed $2 billion deal with Saudi Arabia’s gaming group. This month the company closed down Illinois-based game studio Volition and laid off staff all across its other divisions.

“Nothing has been decided yet, but there will be a lot of speculation in the coming weeks,” Hewitt wrote.