In a shocking turn of events, Volition, the renowned game developer responsible for beloved titles such as Red Faction and Saints Row, has announced its permanent closure. This bombshell revelation came via a somber post on the company's LinkedIn account, timed strategically just after the release of Starfield reviews.
Volition, a studio with a rich history dating back to its establishment as Parallax Software in 1993, went on to create iconic franchises like Summoner, Red Faction, and the irreverent Saints Row series. However, its journey has come to an untimely end due to parent company Embracer Group's radical restructuring efforts.
The official statement provided by Volition cited Embracer Group's new restructuring program, initiated in June, as the driving force behind this decision. The company emphasized that this strategic overhaul was aimed at reinforcing Embracer Group's leadership position in the video game industry.
The statement read, "This past June, Embracer Group announced a restructuring program to strengthen Embracer and maintain its position as a leader in the video game industry. As a part of that program, they evaluated strategic and operational goals and made the difficult decision to close Volition effective immediately."
Embracer Group's restructuring endeavors were set into motion after the collapse of a massive $2 billion investment deal that had been shrouded in secrecy. Although Embracer kept the identity of the deal's partner under wraps, Axios eventually uncovered that it was none other than Savvy Games Group, the gaming division of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The deal's failure prompted Embracer to reassess its operations, leading to the suspension of certain game development projects, cost-cutting measures, and the eventual closure of studios. Regrettably, Volition appears to be the first casualty of Embracer's far-reaching restructuring campaign.
Volition's illustrious journey has been a rollercoaster ride. Originally founded as Parallax Software, it underwent a rebranding in 1996 to become Volition. Over the years, the studio delivered hit after hit, from the mythic Summoner to the revolutionary Red Faction and the over-the-top Saints Row franchise. In 2000, Volition was acquired by THQ and subsequently transitioned to Deep Silver following THQ's bankruptcy in 2017. In 2022, Volition released a reboot of its famed Saints Row series, which received mixed reviews from critics.
In a compassionate gesture towards its affected employees, Volition pledged to assist them in finding new employment opportunities. The studio also took a moment to address its dedicated fanbase. Their statement concluded with a heartfelt message, stating, "We thank our customers and fans around the world for all the love and support over the years. You will always be in our hearts."
The closure of Volition serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the video game industry, where even storied developers with a rich legacy can be swept away by the winds of change. As the gaming community mourns the loss of this influential studio, questions linger about the future of its beloved franchises and the wider implications of Embracer Group's ongoing restructuring efforts in the gaming industry.
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