The video game industry has witnessed the closure of one of its former stalwarts as Free Radical Design, the developer known for creating the TimeSplitters series, has reportedly been shut down. This comes after a period of turbulence and restructuring within its parent company, and the news has spread due to messages from staff members who found themselves suddenly out of work.
Browsing to the Free Radical website now presents a disheartening "404 Company Not Found :-(" message, hinting at the end of an era for the company. This digital tombstone seems to be a silent testimony to the company's closure, with the more formal announcement by the owning group, Embracer Group, or their subsidiary, Deep Silver, still pending.
This news, delivered informally via social media, affected many. Adam Kiraly, a senior technical artist at the studio, shared his sentiments, reflecting on the unexpected finality of his last day. He describes the surreal experience of turning in his keys and exiting the building for the last time, alongside a caption that aptly reads, "It's Time to Split," a nod to the iconic line from the TimeSplitters games.
Another senior artist at the studio, Mark Normington, shared his thoughts on the closure, noting that over 80 people were affected, and it came at a particularly challenging time of year. He encouraged his colleagues to look forward and wished them the best in their future endeavors.
The genesis of Free Radical dates back to 1999, when former Rare employees, including David Doak, Steve Ellis, Karl Hilton, and Graeme Norgate, founded the company. Free Radical first gained attention for the original TimeSplitters game but faced difficulties after the cancellation of a Star Wars: Battlefront project and disappointing sales of their game, Haze.
After declaring bankruptcy in 2009, the team found a new beginning under Crytek, which renamed the studio as Crytek UK, focusing on different projects including the Crysis series. However, in 2014, Crytek UK was closed, though many employees moved on to work on other titles under Dambuster Studios. The revival of Free Radical in 2021 brought hope, especially with a plan to reboot the TimeSplitters franchise under the guidance of original members Ellis and Doak.
Yet, the optimism was short-lived, with the parent organization Embracer Group having to navigate financial challenges and make significant cuts. Embracer Group's reorganization plan included layoffs of over 900 people and the closure of other studios, such as Saints Row developer Volition. Free Radical seemed to be on shaky ground as rumors of its potential closure surfaced in early November, and the recent developments have confirmed the worst.
Free Radical Design, beyond its contributions to gaming, was appreciated for its unique culture and talented team. The TimeSplitters series itself holds a special place in gaming lore, likened to a successor of GoldenEye free from the restrictions of the Bond franchise, allowing for eclectic weapons, props, and scenarios.
The sudden end of Free Radical Design is a reflective moment for the gaming industry. Its closure not only marks the loss of a historic studio but also casts a heavy shadow over the revival of a beloved game series. It serves as a stark reminder of the volatility of the video game industry and the often precarious nature of game development careers. The affected staff, now facing an uncertain future, are leaving behind a legacy characterized by creativity, bravery in design, and a willingness to defy the norms. Whatever the future holds for the individuals and the intellectual property they helped build, Free Radical Design will always be remembered for its times and splits that entertained generations of gamers.
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