New Red Faction Game Canceled Before Embracer Layoffs

Embracer Group's financial woes have led to the cancellation of a new Red Faction game and subsequent layoffs. The game was being developed by Fishlabs, known for its work on Galaxy On Fire and Chorus. Fishlabs had created a visual prototype for a Red Faction sequel, aiming to recreate the acclaimed destruction-based gameplay from Red Faction: Guerrilla. However, despite pitching to publisher Plaion, the game was not greenlit. The project was ultimately canceled in November 2023, resulting in 50 job losses. This news follows a turbulent period for Embracer Group, which saw over a thousand job cuts, multiple game cancellations, studio shutdowns, and the sale of key developers, including Gearbox and Saber Interactive. The company faced significant financial challenges after a $2 billion deal with Savvy Games Group fell through.

The new Red Faction game was canceled in November 2023 due to Embracer Group's financial struggles and a failed pitch to publisher Plaion, leading to significant layoffs at the developing studio Fishlabs.

Red Faction is a cult classic in the gaming world, known for its revolutionary Geo-Mod technology that allowed players to destroy environments in realistic ways. The series began in 2001, with Red Faction: Guerrilla, released in 2009, often being the highlight due to its open-world gameplay and intricate destruction mechanics. A remaster, Red Faction: Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered, was released in 2019, bringing the beloved game to a new audience. Despite its popularity, the series has struggled with sales, leading to the cancelation of several projects over the years.