Eidos Montreal, a subsidiary of the Swedish gaming giant Embracer, has recently faced a significant setback. The studio, renowned for its work on the Deus Ex series, has officially confirmed the cancellation of a new Deus Ex game. This decision comes amidst a broader restructuring within Embracer, which has led to the layoff of almost 100 employees at Eidos Montreal.
The now-canceled Deus Ex project had been in development for two years, according to a report by Bloomberg. This news has undoubtedly disappointed fans of the series, which includes acclaimed titles like Deus Ex: Human Revolution (2011) and Mankind Divided (2016).
Eidos Montreal's shift in focus is evident as they now aim to concentrate on an original franchise. This move might be a strategic decision in the face of the current uncertainties plaguing the gaming industry. Embracer's acquisition of Eidos Montreal from Square Enix in 2022 was part of a larger industry trend of consolidations and acquisitions.
The gaming community has been reacting to this news on various platforms, including Twitter, where Eidos Montreal posted a statement regarding the layoffs. The statement highlights the challenges faced by the studio and its employees during this transition period.
— Eidos-Montréal (@EidosMontreal) January 29, 2024
Embracer's restructuring program, which involves studio closures, layoffs, and project cancellations, has been a significant factor in these developments. The company has already shut down studios like Saints Row developer Volition and Free Radical Design, and others like Gearbox have reportedly been put up for sale.
This situation at Eidos Montreal is a reflection of the broader challenges faced by the gaming industry. Over 5,000 games industry workers have lost their jobs in 2024, a staggering number that underscores the volatility of the sector.
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