It is not looking good for Gearbox Software. Multiple reports have come out today about how owner Embracer Group might want to sell Gearbox, best known as the developer behind Borderlands. This comes off the heels of the Swedish parent company closing gown Gollum developer Daedalic Entertainment and Saints Row studio Volition. In 2021, the Swedish media company bought the studio behind the cell-shaded looter shooter for $1.4 billion. Since then, it has released two entries: Tiny Tina’s Wonderworld and New Tales from the Borderlands last year. Gearbox’s publishing side published Remnant 2 and will be putting out Homeworld 3 next year.
Embracer Group Might Sell Borderlands Developer Gearbox
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The original report that started this news was from Reuters. Embracer is looking at what it can do to save some money, including selling off some studios it owns. This is coming off its announced plan in June “to reduce” its current debt, with $903 million being planned to save by the end of its fiscal year. This means closures, axing projects, and laying workers off. All of this is what we have seen so far.
According to the report, Gearbox braces itself for what Embracer Group decides. Reuters reported that “marketing materials” are prepped for possible new owners. The focus is on “international gaming groups.”
To further the possibility of this news actually happening is another report from Bloomberg. The corroboration adds a few extra details, largely an email from CCO Dan Hewitt. Employees were told that Gearbox is still “a part of Embracer [Group].” A caveat was mentioned in case this ownership does not last. Options listed by Hewitt include the studios’ “transfer” or becoming independently owned.
From what it seems, we are at a distance away from any decisions to be made for now. Gearbox is currently developing new projects and awaiting the release of its Borderlands movie.
