Embracer COO Departs to Establish New Venture Amid Restructuring
Amidst Embracer Group's ongoing restructuring efforts, its Chief Operating Officer, Egil Strunke, has announced his departure to launch his own company, Strunke Games. This move was revealed through a LinkedIn post, where Strunke reflected on his time at Embracer and its predecessor, Nordic Games. Initially serving as Vice President for Nordic Games from 2011 to 2014, Strunke rejoined the company, which had evolved into Embracer Group, to take on the role of COO. Prior to his return, he worked at 20th Century Fox's Nordic operations. Embracer's current restructuring aims to alleviate debt following the collapse of a significant deal valued at over $2 billion. This process has involved substantial layoffs across various subsidiaries, including Crystal Dynamics, Gearbox Publishing, and Zen Studios, as well as the closure of several studios such as Volition. Strunke expressed optimism about Embracer's future, stating that despite the challenges, he believes the company will emerge stronger. His new venture, Strunke Games, is positioned as a consultancy that will collaborate with and support gaming studios and projects worldwide, navigating the industry's constant evolution.