TimeSplitters studio Free Radical Design closed today, staff say

UPDATE 12/12/23: Following yesterday's reports that Free Radical Design - the studio set up in 2021 specifically to work on a new TimeSplitters game - had been closed, studio owner Plaion (a subsidiary of the beleaguered Embracer Group) has made the news official.

"It's with a heavy heart that we must announce yet another difficult decision," Plaion wrote in a statement provided to VGC. "Today, we have to confirm the official closure of Free Radical Design, and say goodbye to many remarkable, talented and hard-working people.

"We are beyond grateful for their incredible contributions to Plaion and wish them the best of luck and success on their professional journey from here on out."

Free Radical is the latest studio to be impacted by Embracer Group's devastating restructuring, which it initiated following the collapse of a $2bn deal earlier this year. So far, over 900 employees have lost their jobs across Embracer's various studios and subsidiaries, with layoffs confirmed at Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics, Insurgency studio New World Interactive, Pinball FX developer Zen Studios, Mythforce developer Beamdog, and more. Embracer has also shut down Studio Onoma (formerly Square Enix Montréal) and Saints Row developer Volition, and is reportedly looking to sell Borderlands studio Gearbox.

ORIGINAL STORY 11/12/23: TimeSplitters developer Free Radical Design closed its doors today, staff are now reporting via social media.

Photos and messages from Free Radical Design team members are now filtering onto X, formerly Twitter, as staff say farewell to the Nottingham-based studio.

This version of Free Radical Design was founded in 2021 to revive the TimeSplitters series, with various former staff members from the original games brought on board. But recent reports suggested it was now set for closure as part of this year's devastating layoffs affecting companies owned by umbrella corporation Embracer, with more than 50 staff set to lose their jobs.

"The last day at FRD was very different from what I imagined," senior tech artist Adam Kiraly wrote. "I don't think it sunk in properly just yet, but handed my keys in and left the building the last time."

Quoting Sgt Cortez's infamous line from TimeSplitters: Future Perfect, Kiraly concluded: "It's Time to Split."

"It's been a great two and a quarter years at Free Radical Design," senior artist Mark Normington wrote. "Sad to see us go. Onwards and upwards!"

"Gonna miss the folks at FRD ?" added environment artist Deanna Gow. "Thank you and all the best for the future x"

Free Radical Design's company website is now mostly blank, other than the message: 404 Company Not Found :-(

Staff members have posted photos of the company's now-closed glass doors, Christmas snowflake decorations still visible from outside.