Embracer could sell Borderlands developer Gearbox

Following the news of Embracer Group's restructuring earlier this year, reports now suggest Embracer might be considering selling Gearbox.

Embracer could sell Borderlands developer Gearbox
Heidi Nicholas

Heidi Nicholas

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Embracer Group previously announced a large-scale restructuring program that would involve studio closures, game cancellations, and layoffs. Following this announcement a few months later was the news that Embracer had shut down Saints Row developer Volition. Now, reports suggest Embracer is considering its options for Borderlands developer Gearbox.
The reports come from Reuters, which claims to have spoken to three people "familiar with the matter." These sources claim that Embracer is working with Goldman Sachs and Aream & Co as it considers selling Gearbox after having already received interest "from third parties." There has been no official word on the matter yet from Embracer or Gearbox.

An email to staff from Gearbox chief communications officer Dan Hewitt was reportedly seen by Bloomberg in which Hewitt says, "The base case is that Gearbox remains a part of Embracer. 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."

Most recently from Gearbox has been New Tales from the Borderlands and Tiny Tina's Wonderlands. The latter was described by Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford as a "major victory".

Embracer CEO Lars Wingefors said of the restructuring program that it should "make us a leaner, stronger and a more focused, self-sufficient company," and that when it comes to some of the companies Embracer owns, "Actions will include, but not be limited to, closing or divestments of some studios and the termination or pausing of some ongoing game development projects."

We'll keep an eye out for any official word about Gearbox.
Written by Heidi Nicholas
Heidi tends to lean towards indie games, RPGs, and open-world games on Xbox, and when not playing Disney Dreamlight Valley, happily installs every new wholesome game that appears on Xbox Game Pass, before diving back into favorites like The Witcher 3. She's looking forward to Age of Mythology Retold, Everwild, Fable, and Avowed on the Xbox horizon. Heidi graduated with an MA in English Literature before joining the TrueAchievements team.
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