The gaming community is experiencing another significant loss with the apparent shutdown of Free Radical Design, the studio known for creating the acclaimed TimeSplitters series. Former team members have expressed their sadness and reported the closure across social media platforms. The developer's website now shows a '404 Company Not Found' error, amplifying the concerns regarding the studio's fate. The news comes amidst a troublesome year for the gaming industry, which saw extensive layoffs, including 904 staff cuts by Free Radical's parent company, Embracer Group.

Free Radical Design has been a part of the gaming world since the '90s and was known for hits like TimeSplitters and TimeSplitters 2. After closing in 2014, the studio was revived in 2021, and there was an ongoing development of a new TimeSplitters game. However, the current status of this project remains uncertain following these recent developments. In the past year, Embracer Group made headlines with significant acquisition moves, including the rights to The Lord of the Rings franchise, which adds context to the overall situation the company and its subsidiaries face.

The studio's end was hinted at a few weeks ago, and now more than 80 Free Radical developers have been affected by the layoffs. The gaming community, along with the affected developers, is now left wondering about the future of the beloved TimeSplitters franchise and the innovation and creativity that Free Radical was known for in the industry.

What does the shutdown of Free Radical Design mean for the future of the TimeSplitters series?

With the shutdown of Free Radical Design, the future of the TimeSplitters series is currently up in the air. No official statements have been made regarding the status of a new TimeSplitters game that was in development. The gaming community and fans of the series will have to wait for any announcements from Embracer Group regarding the intellectual property and potential continuation of the franchise.