The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Several Gearbox Publishing employees told GamesBeat they had been laid off, with some departures reportedly dating to June 2023. Former employee Allan Jacquemart said his contract and those of colleagues who started in June ended on the final day of their probation period. The available account does not establish how many people were affected, and it is not a confirmed company-wide tally. GamesBeat’s report is the source for the employee accounts.
What employees reported
GamesBeat described reports from several employees that Gearbox Publishing staff had been laid off. Jacquemart told the outlet that his contract and those of colleagues who began in June ended on the final day of their probation period. That attributed account concerns Jacquemart and colleagues in his situation; it does not establish that every reported departure followed the same pattern.
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Hello Neighbor (PS4) | $24.75 | Buy on Amazon |
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Trover Saves the Universe | $12.95 | Buy on Amazon |
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The report did not provide a confirmed headcount. The available information also does not establish whether Embracer or Gearbox issued a specific confirmation or response to these reports. The report’s precise publication date in 2023 is not verified.
How Embracer’s restructuring fits in
On June 13, 2023, Embracer CEO Lars Wingefors announced a group-wide restructuring program. He said the company would “reduce third party publishing and put greater focus on internal IP and increase external funding of large-budget games.” Wingefors also acknowledged the human cost, writing: “It is painful to see talented team members leave.” These statements provide context for the reported departures; they do not confirm the specific Gearbox Publishing accounts. Embracer’s open letter sets out the program.
#1 Best Overall
- Descend into the depths of an alien underwater world filled with wonder and peril
- Craft equipment, pilot submarines and out-smart wildlife
- Explore lush coral reefs, volcanoes, cave systems, and more
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Embracer’s 900-person figure is not a Gearbox count
In its interim report published November 16, 2023, Embracer said its workforce was around 900 people lower, or 5% smaller, at September 30, 2023, compared with the prior quarter, attributing the reduction to restructuring. This is a group-level figure across Embracer, not a count of Gearbox Publishing employees laid off. Embracer’s Q2 FY 23/24 interim report gives the broader company figure.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What changed with Gearbox in 2024
On March 28, 2024, Embracer announced a deal to divest Gearbox Entertainment assets to Take-Two Interactive for USD 460 million. Embracer separately said it would retain Gearbox Publishing San Francisco, which it planned to rename, along with publishing rights to Remnant and Hyper Light Breaker. The announcement distinguishes that retained publishing business from the Gearbox assets being sold; it does not establish the status or number of employees in the earlier reports. Embracer’s transaction announcement describes the split.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Stealth Horror
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Rank #4
- The firepower Deluxe Edition comes with bonus code that includes: 4 Premium ships (Japanese cruiser iwaki, US battleship Texas, Japanese Destroyer kamikaze, and the US battleship Arizona)
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Rank #3
- A comedy adventure from Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland filled with combat, platforming, puzzles, and morally questionable choices. See how the best intentions can go horribly awry.
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Rank #2
- Procedural Neighbor AI learns your tactics and evolves
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- Stealth Horror
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