Summary
In a new financial update,Embracer Grouprevealed how many of its recently released games have performed, giving some insight into the company’s strengths and weaknesses. The company has released several high-profilePCand console titles in 2024, with one unlikely game coming out on top.
Established as part of Nordic Games Group in 2011, Embracer Group was formerly known as THQ Nordic before being renamed in 2019. Growing rapidly through a series of major investments and acquisitions, Embracer ran into trouble in 2022 followinga botched $2 billion investment dealwhich prompted the company’s shares to fall by 40 percent. Over 4,000 employees at Embracer have been laid off since, with the entity also selling several of its studios, including Saber Interactive and Gearbox.
According to a financial update from Embracer (viaIGN), thelaunch of Coffee Stain Studios’Satisfactory1.0on PC was a success, noting that it “performed above management expectations.” First released in early access in March 2019, the factory simulation title boasted nearly 200,000 concurrent players on Steam following its 1.0 update in September. The developers have promised that the game will be released for consoles, though no date has been given for when this will finally occur.
Satisfactory 1.0 Was a Hit for Embracer, While Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed Missed the Mark
Moving down the ladder, the recent Steam and Xbox release ofThe Lord of the Rings: Return to Moriafared well, performing “slightly above management expectations.” In 2022, Embracer purchased Tolkien’s IP for a whopping $395, prompting fans to wonder how the company would utilize it going forward. WhileReturn to Moriawas only a moderate success and received mixed reviews, theupcomingLord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrimanime filmhas caused a stir on social media, with many reacting positively to its artwork and characters.
Embracer’s big loss for Q2 wasDisney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, which seems to have resonated with some players but failed to take off following its August release. The remake of the 2010 Wii title follows Mickey Mouse, who must save forgotten characters and concepts after accidently damaging a world created by the sorcerer Yen Sid. With a score of 78 on OpenCritic, the title continues to be praised for its visuals and nostalgic charm, though its detractors remain frustrated by its technical issues and frustrating controls.
Going forward, Embracer hasplenty of games coming in 2025, includingKingdom Come: Deliverance 2,Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered, andKilling Floor 3. A remake of the 2001 titleGothicis also rumored to be released early next year. Thankfully, having just sold its subsidiary Easybrain for $1.2 billion, Embracer isn’t in danger of going under any time soon.
Satisfactory
WHERE TO PLAY
Satisfactory is a first-person open-world factory building game with a dash of exploration and combat. Play alone or with friends, explore an alien planet, create multi-story factories, and enter conveyor belt heaven!ConstructConquer nature by building massive factories across the land. Expand wherever and however you want. The planet is filled with valuable natural resources just waiting to be utilized. As an employee of FICSIT it’s your duty to ensure they come to good use.AutomateConstruct your factories with gracious perfection or build intricate webs of conveyor belts to supply all your needs. Automate trucks and trains to reach your faraway outposts and be sure to handle liquids properly by transporting them in pipes. It’s all about minimizing manual labour!Explore & ExploitVenture on expeditions to search for new materials and be sure to put everything to good use. Nature is yours to harvest! You have vehicles, jetpacks, jump pads and more at your disposal to make the exploration easier. Equip the proper safety gear as well, just in case you run into the local wildlife.
