Crystal Dynamics Becomes Latest Embracer Studio to Implement Staff Reductions

Crystal Dynamics has reduced its workforce by ten employees, becoming the most recent studio under Embracer's ownership to undergo downsizing amidst the parent company's restructuring efforts. A statement shared on X revealed that the layoffs affected nine employees from the brand and marketing teams, along with one IT staff member. According to the company, this decision is part of an internal restructuring aimed at aligning the studio with its current business requirements. Crystal Dynamics is providing support to the affected employees in their search for new job opportunities and is reaching out to other studios with available positions in brand direction, creative services, community, or IT to contact them at peoplexp@crystald.com. This development follows similar layoffs at Beamdog and Gearbox Publishing, both of which are also owned by Embracer Group. Embracer Group is presently undergoing a significant restructuring program, prompted by the collapse of a $2 billion deal and the company's over $1 billion debt. The restructuring has also resulted in the closure of Campfire Cabal and Volition Games, the developer of Saints Row. Upon the initial announcement of the restructuring, Crystal Dynamics reassured fans via a statement on X that it would not affect the development of the upcoming Tomb Raider or its partnership with The Initiative on the revamped Perfect Dark.