Alone in the Dark reboot bombs, Embracer cuts staff

The recent reboot of the survival horror classic, Alone in the Dark, has failed to meet sales expectations according to Embracer Group. Despite featuring renowned actors Jodie Comer and David Harbour, the game did not attract a significant player base. Launching in March 2024, the game only peaked at 1,628 concurrent players on Steam. Embracer reports that both Alone in the Dark and Outcast: A New Beginning underperformed during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, compared to their projections. The company has been facing broader issues, including substantial layoffs following the collapse of a significant deal with Savvy Games Group in 2023. While some titles like Tomb Raider I-III Remastered and Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor exceeded expectations, others like Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection had mixed receptions. Upcoming hopeful releases from Embracer include Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Killing Floor 3.

Alone in the Dark failed to attract a wider gaming audience despite its high-profile casting and nostalgic appeal. The game struggled to maintain a significant player base post-launch and was overshadowed by other contemporary survival horror games, receiving only a 6/10 review from IGN.

Originally a pioneer in the survival horror genre, Alone in the Dark first debuted in 1992. It has been regarded as a classic for its atmospheric tension and has influenced countless other horror games. The reboot aimed to modernize the experience while paying homage to its roots but faced tough competition from established franchises like Resident Evil.