Yes—Saber Interactive’s selected assets left Embracer Group in a deal completed on March 28, 2024. Embracer sold them to Beacon Interactive, which it said was controlled by Saber co-founder Matthew Karch. The transfer did not include every studio once associated with Embracer’s Saber group, and it did not transfer the Metro franchise’s PC and console publishing rights.
What happened, and when?
Embracer announced the agreement on March 14, 2024, and confirmed its completion on March 28. That makes the separation a completed divestment, not a proposed sale. The buyer was Beacon Interactive, identified by Embracer as a company controlled by Matthew Karch.
Bloomberg had reported on February 29 that the potential transaction could be worth up to $500 million and might include an option to bring along additional subsidiaries. That was an early report about a possible broader deal, not the purchase price Embracer later disclosed for the selected assets.
| Milestone | What was disclosed |
|---|---|
| February 29, 2024 | Bloomberg reported a potential value of up to $500 million, including an option involving additional subsidiaries. Bloomberg |
| March 14, 2024 | Embracer announced the sale of selected assets for $247 million, including assumed earn-out liabilities, before potential additional consideration. Embracer Group |
| March 28, 2024 | Embracer announced that the transaction had closed. Embracer Group |
How much did Beacon pay?
Embracer’s March 2024 announcement gave an official purchase price of $247 million, including $44 million in assumed earn-out liabilities. That was before any additional consideration. Embracer said the agreement could also provide up to $94 million in additional consideration if Beacon later resold the assets under specified conditions.
#1 Best Overall
- Experience a new approach to the most advanced physics-based adventures from the creators of MudRunner and SnowRunner
- Plan your itinerary wisely by flying over the landscapes with your reconnaissance drone
- Move through extreme landscapes by using the innovative equipment of your vehicle
- Manage your warehouse by building research facilities and hiring experts
In September 2024, Embracer said a settlement resulted in $168.4 million received and a further $28.1 million due later in 2024 and 2025. The settlement cancelled Beacon’s option to acquire 4A Games and Zen Studios and concluded the financial aspects of the divestment. These later settlement amounts describe payments under that settlement; they are not a replacement for the original announced purchase-price terms. Embracer Group
Which studios and assets changed hands?
Embracer described the transaction as a sale of selected assets, not a transfer of every studio in its former Saber group. The divested assets included all Saber-branded studios, as well as DIGIC, Nimble Giant, Fractured Byte, Sandbox Strategies, Mad Head Games, New World Interactive, 3D Realms and Slipgate. The transfer also covered those listed entities’ owned or licensed intellectual property, related liabilities and contractor relationships.
Rank #2
- [Somatosensory Game Console] Unlike normal TV game console, YRPRSODF portable game machine is somatosensory control, just move your body with the wireless game handle, you can play games (Double or Single) and interact with the person in the video or TV immersively, bringing you an amazing somatosensory gaming experience.
- [2.4G Wireless Game Console] It equipped with 2pcs portable 2.4G wireless game handle, no wires, no dead-angle transmission signal, response quickly and accurately. The sensing distance is up to 10 meters far, you can play it at home freely.(If you have any problem with the game handle, please contact us for free replacement).
- [Built-in 100+ Games] YRPRSODF independently developed copyright game console is built in 100+ games in total, including 31 interactive HD video games and 32 puzzle games such as running, basketball, football etc. Fit for both boys and girls, women and men. It's an ideal birthday / Christmas / festival present for kids and adults.
- [ HD output & USB power supply] This mini game console comes with a HD and USB cable, just connect it with TV, you can start to play games. It fits for all size TV and supports HD video output. (Noted: only fit for TV, not fit for computer or tablets).
Embracer initially retained several studios, including 4A Games, Zen Studios, Aspyr, Tripwire, Tuxedo Labs, Beamdog, Demiurge, 34BigThings, Shiver and Snapshot. Beacon had an option to acquire 4A Games and Zen Studios, but the September settlement cancelled it. Both studios therefore remained with Embracer.
Does Saber now own the Metro games?
No. Embracer said long-term licensing and publishing rights for current and future PC and console games in the Metro franchise remained within its operative group PLAION, regardless of whether Beacon exercised its option to acquire 4A Games. The sale of selected Saber assets should not be read as a transfer of those Metro game rights.
Rank #3
Why did Embracer sell?
Embracer said the divestment would end its operations in Russia and immediately improve cash flow while reducing capital expenditure, net debt and future liabilities. The company framed the sale as part of its restructuring, saying it would retain key companies, valuable intellectual property and future publishing rights. Those were the seller’s stated aims and expected effects, not a guarantee of later business performance.
Embracer also expected the transaction to produce an approximately SEK 6.0 billion non-cash net expense, principally related to the book value of goodwill. That accounting impact is separate from the cash purchase price.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does “escape Embracer’s death hug” mean?
“Death hug” is a dramatic headline characterization, not wording used by the companies. Embracer’s announcement described a restructuring-related divestment, while Saber’s selected assets moved to Beacon. The deal changed the corporate home of those assets; it does not, by itself, establish what their long-term prospects will be.
Embracer CEO Lars Wingefors said, “This transaction puts both companies in a stronger position to thrive going forward.” Matthew Karch, Saber co-founder and a Beacon director, said, “This divestment leaves both parties in much better positions to grow our respective businesses.” These are the executives’ views of the deal, rather than independent assessments of its eventual results.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Realistic physical simulation of objects, debris, vehicles, water, fire and smoke
- A variety of tools, from sledgehammer to welding torches and fire extinguishers to weapons and explosives
- Numerous campaigns with over 40 missions and increasing difficulty
- Contents: The Game, TIME CAMPERS DLC and FOLKRACE DLC
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
