Embracer studio Crystal Dynamics has laid off 17 group

Image via Crystal Dynamics / Embracer Group

Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics has terminated the employment of 17 employees.

The Embracer-owned studio stated that these layoffs are “not indicative of the commitment or skills of those impacted,” but are essential for the company to realign with its “current business requirements.”

“We understand how difficult this situation is for those affected, and we are assisting them with transition support and job placement initiatives,” reads a brief statement shared on LinkedIn.

“Crystal Dynamics remains dedicated to expanding the horizons of game development. This adjustment will not impact our existing project strategies.”

It is uncertain whether any specific projects or departments were affected by the layoffs.

Crystal Dynamics’ latest initiatives

Crystal Dynamics is currently focused on the next installment in the Tomb Raider series, which is being developed using Unreal Engine 5 and may potentially be published by Amazon Games.

This will mark the studio’s first significant release since it was acquired by the Swedish conglomerate and layoff provider Embracer Group in 2022.

The studio is also collaborating on the upcoming Perfect Dark reboot with The Initiative.

Embracer purchased Crystal Dynamics from Square Enix, along with several other studios such as Eidos-Montreal and Square Enix Montreal, in a deal valued at $300 million. Additionally, they acquired the rights to major franchises like Deus Ex, Thief, and Tomb Raider.

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Following the completion of that deal, Embracer initiated a restructuring program which led to widespread layoffs, studio closures, significant divestments, and project cancellations.

This included a round of job cuts at Crystal Dynamics in 2023.

Game Developer has contacted Embracer for further details about the recent layoffs.

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