Gearbox Software Purchased by THQ Nordic Owners

Embracer Group, a vast network of European developers and publishers that includes THQ Nordic and Deep Silver, today announced that it has engulfed Gearbox. The gang behind Borderlands and Aliens: Colonial Marines merges with Embracer to become the seventh task force in the family. The deal is worth $ 363million (£ 262million) to start with. Gearbox says it’s cool, and they plan to grow.

Embracer pays $ 363million (£ 262million) in cash and stock up front for Gearbox. They say up to an additional $ 1,015million (£ 734million) in cash and stocks could potentially follow if Gearbox hits its targets over the next six years.

Today’s announcement states that Gearbox’s plans under Embracer include “expanding talent in both studios, creating new Gearbox studios, and expanding partnerships.” They say the merger “allows Gearbox to do more with its existing brands, create new brands and, potentially, undertake the merger and acquisition of other successful entities and properties in the industry and sector. Dream big, then. Gearbox also has its own publishing division these days, remember.

Embracer (formerly known as THQ Nordic AB, and Nordic Games before that) now has around 60 in-house development studios. They’ve bought more than a dozen over the past six months, including developers Metro 4A Games and Shadow Warrior Flying Wild Hog rebooters.

Randy Pitchford will continue to run Gearbox and sound, ah, very professionally excited about Embracer CEO Lars Wingefors.

Lars’ vision of Embracer as an allied partner group committed to fueling and accelerating the ambitions of a series of decentralized and successful businesses while amplifying the collective value and benefits of diversification across the group. is the brightest short and medium strategy and design, and long term success in this industry that I have ever encountered in my 30 years in this industry, ”said Pitchford. Well.

It fills my heart with dread to see Embracer specifically mentioning Duke Nukem as one of the “critically acclaimed IPs” who “will stand out in Embracer’s vast IP portfolio.” Are they threatening to make a sequel to Duke Nukem Forever? Didn’t that kill Duke to stone forever? Police, help, they’re threatening me.

This news comes days after the Battleborn servers shutdown, making Gearbox’s 2016 FPS totally unplayable.

Update: 2K Games, the editors of Borderlands and Battleborn, say they’re “happy” for Gearbox and they’re still buddies.

“The merger does not change 2K’s relationship with Gearbox or our role as the publisher of Borderlands IP or any other project that we are currently working on with the studio,” a spokesperson said in a statement to RPS. “We look forward to continuing our long-term partnership with this incredibly talented team and providing many more exciting entertainment experiences for game enthusiasts around the world.”