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Embracer Shuts Down Alone in the Dark Reboot Developer Pieces Interactive

Embracer Shuts Down Alone in the Dark Reboot Developer Pieces Interactive - News

by William D'Angelo , posted on 17 June 2024 / 1,137 Views

Embracer Group announced it has shut down Alone in the Dark reboot developer Pieces Interactive.

"Pieces Interactive released over ten titles on PC, console, and mobile since 2007—both our own concepts such as Puzzlegeddon, Fret Nice, Leviathan Warships, Robo Surf, and Kill to Collect, as well as work for hire titles such as Magicka 2 and several downloadable contents for Magicka," reads a message from the developer. "Our client list includes Paradox Interactive, Koei Tecmo, Arrowhead Game Studios, Koch Media and RaceRoom Entertainment.

"In 2017, Pieces Interactive were acquired by Embracer Group after working with the expansion for Titan Quest, Titan Quest: Ragnarok, and third expansion for Titan Quest, Titan Quest: Atlantis.

"Our last release was the reimagining of Alone in the Dark."

Our own Lee Mehr gave Alone in the Dark a 6.5 out of 10 and says "How alluring exploration through pretty places is to you could play a deciding factor on Alone's overall value.  As someone who completed a Carnby 'near-completionist' playthrough (only a few missed extras), a brisk 8-hour run for the latest middle-market standard of a $60 game feels inoffensive in light of its other features.  Although the guts of the experience remain the same - just with the lead/support roles reversed, each lead's campaign feels more substantial than a New Game+ mode in my eyes."


A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.


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7 Comments
GaoGaiGarV (on 17 June 2024)

Dev gets game out, dev gets closed.
Seems to be the modus operandi of publishers these days...

  • +3
coolbeans (on 17 June 2024)

From the comment section of my review: "While it's weird to be in-line with critics in score but carry more enthusiasm for a mid-6, I like to think of Alone similar to other wobbly first attempts. Sonic 1 & Crash 1 had some neat gimmicks, but weren't great 2d/3d platformers overall (imo). They still served as great stepping stones to tweak and improve upon. I'd like to see Pieces get the same opportunity."

It genuinely sucks how Pieces won't get that chance to build upon their framework. Really could've blossomed into something special.

  • +3
Spike0503 coolbeans (on 17 June 2024)

Agreed. It's no longer good enough if the game you launch is just "okay", it's either big, blockbuster success or you're gone.

  • +3
coolbeans Spike0503 (on 17 June 2024)

"What?! Personal growth as a team from past missteps? Improving upon your craft on OUR dollar? To the unemployment line with you!"

  • +3
The Fury (on 17 June 2024)

These are the Magicka 2 devs? Embracer buys them, makes them make a certain game of an own IP then closes them when it doesn't make bank? Poor form.

  • 0
burninmylight (on 17 June 2024)

Another one bites the dust. Devs have to see the writing on the wall, so I hope they've already been jumping off that sinking ship in droves before they're told to get out.

  • 0
LivncA_Dis3 (on 17 June 2024)

Well they did release a terrible game which warrants a shutdown,

But don't they get 2nd chances or the publishers are starting to hurt in their wallets nowadays lol

  • -3