“At Least Half” of 3D Realms and Slipgate Ironworks Reportedly Laid off by Embracer Group

Embracer Group’s internal restructuring program has been a brutal one that has resulted in mass layoffs across a number of studios owned by the company, and the company is continuing to make cuts. The latest studios that have been hit with layoffs are 3D Realms and Slipgate Ironworks, both of which were acquired in 2021 and operate under the Saber Interactive banner.

Michael Markie, who was the lead composer at 3D Realms, recently took to Twitter and confirmed that he had been laid off. Meanwhile, Scott Miller – the founder of 3D Realms, and currently the boss of Apogee Entertainment – said in a tweet that he had been told by “several sources” that both Danish studios had been hit with layoffs.

As per Miller, “core” developers at the studio have also lost their jobs, with “at least” half of both studios having been let go. Thus far, 3D Realms, Slipgate Ironworks, Saber Interactive, or Embracer Group haven’t made any official statements regarding the situation.

Embracer Group’s restructuring program has affected a number of its studios over the last few months. Volition and Free Radical Design have been shut down, while the likes of Crystal Dynamics, New World Interactive, Fishlabs, and others also having been hit with layoffs. Reportedly, Embracer is also looking to sell off Gearbox Entertainment.

For Christmas this year, I got laid off! 🥳

If anyone is looking for a level designer or audio please hit me up!

— Markie (@markiemusicpro) December 14, 2023

Several sources have told me this bad news… Sorry to hear about another drop of the axe by Embracer Group, this time landing on Danish 3D Realms. A lot of people, including core devs, will be looking for work asap. Hopefully they land jobs soon. This one hits me hard because I…

— Scott Miller – Apogee/3D Realms Founder ☢️ (@ScottApogee) December 14, 2023

More and more sources have told me at least half the company (Slipgate/3DR) is laid off. We're looking at hiring at least 2-3.

— Scott Miller – Apogee/3D Realms Founder ☢️ (@ScottApogee) December 14, 2023