Embracer Group has made the decision to shut down Pieces Interactive, the developer behind the Alone in the Dark reimagining that was released earlier this year. This marks the latest closure of a studio by the troubled company within the past 10 months.
On Pieces Interactive’s website, visitors are greeted with a graphic that reads “2007-2024 Thanks For Playing With Us” along with a brief history of the studio. Since 2007, Pieces Interactive has released over ten titles across various platforms, including their own original concepts like Puzzlegeddon, Fret Nice, Leviathan Warships, Robo Surf, and Kill to Collect. They have also worked on projects for hire such as Magicka 2 and several DLCs for Magicka, collaborating with clients like Paradox Interactive, Koei Tecmo, Arrowhead Game Studios, Koch Media, and RaceRoom Entertainment.
In 2017, Pieces Interactive was acquired by Embracer Group after contributing to expansions for Titan Quest. Their most recent release was the reimagining of Alone in the Dark, which launched on March 20 to mixed reviews, currently holding a Metacritic score of 63. The game features performances by actors Jodie Comer and David Harbour, who provided their voices and likenesses for this third-person take on the 1992 survival horror classic.
Embracer Group has faced financial challenges, including the collapse of a $2 billion deal with the Saudi Arabia-backed Savvy Games Group in 2023. In response, the company has undergone significant restructuring to maintain stability, resulting in a substantial reduction in headcount across its numerous studios. This restructuring has included laying off over 1,000 employees, selling off studios like Saber Interactive and Gearbox Entertainment, as well as closing others such as Free Radical Design and Volition Games. Embracer Group has recently reorganized itself into three separate companies, with its various studios now divided among them.
The closure of Pieces Interactive adds to the series of changes within Embracer Group as they navigate through financial challenges and strategic restructuring. It serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of the gaming industry, where even established studios can face uncertain futures in the face of economic pressures and market shifts. As fans await further updates on the fate of Alone in the Dark and other projects affected by these developments, the industry continues to evolve and adapt to ensure its sustainability and growth.