Summary
TimeSplittersstudioFree Radical Designconfirms that it’s officially shutting down just two and a half years after a newTimeSplittersgame entered development. Some of the developers fromFree Radical Designtook to social media to share their farewells with colleagues andTimeSplittersfans.
Free Radical Design opened its doors in April 1999 and went on to developthe cult-classicTimeSplitterstrilogy. The studio faced bankruptcy in 2008 after releasing the PS3-exclusive first-person shooterHaze, which was poorly received by gamers and critics alike. Although Crytek bought Free Radical Design in 2009 and rebranded it to Crytek UK, the studio’s financial woes did not end there. By 2014, most of the Crytek UK staff transferred to Dambuster Studios after Deep Silver acquired theHomefrontIP rights. Nearly seven years later, Embracer Group announced that Free Radical Design would be reformed as a subsidiary of Deep Silver in 2021, and work would begin on a newTimeSplittersgame.
Despite the lack of an official statement from Embracer Group, employees from Free Radical Design took to Twitter to confirm that December 11 was their last day attheTimeSplittersdevelopment studio. One of these developers is Free Radical Design senior artist Mark Keighley, who confirmed that the studio is officially closed when replying to a Twitter user. Moreover, Free Radical Design’s official website now displays a message stating “404 Company Not Found,” and all other pages on the website have been taken down.
Timesplitters Developers Say Farewell to Free Radical Design
The studio’s closure was just a few weeks removed from that reports claimedEmbracer Group was already preparing to shut down Free Radical Designthis past November. A leaked email from Plaion VP Lars Jannsen revealed that the parent company was in the process of finalizing a consultation process on Free Radical Design, noting a potential closure date of December 11. Although the email’s phrasing suggests a more positive outcome was possible, Embracer Group’s massive cost-cutting measures meant that a closure was more than likely at the time. Wingefors attributes these measures to the “worsening global economy” as the gaming industry experiences a record number of layoffs in 2023.
Free Radical Design’s closure means dozens of employees have been added to the growing list ofover 900 people laid off by Embracer Group since June 2023. In addition, the studio’s shutdown most likely spells the end of development on the newTimeSplittersproject, extending the seemingly perpetual wait for a new entry in the beloved franchise.
TimeSplitters: Future Perfect
WHERE TO PLAY
TimeSplitters: Future Perfect is the pinnacle of the acclaimed series, blending action, humor, and intricate storytelling. Play as Sergeant Cortez, embarking on a time-bending journey across past, present, and future to thwart the sinister TimeSplitters. Explore diverse environments from ancient temples to futuristic cities, each with unique challenges and visual splendor.The single-player campaign is a blend of action and witty dialogue, unfolding through epic battles, puzzles, and animated cut-scenes that bring to life quirky allies and formidable adversaries. The narrative is cinematic and rich, revealing mysteries behind the TimeSplitters' plans with depth and flair.Multiplayer shines with cooperative and competitive modes, offering classic deathmatches, objective-based challenges, and innovative gameplay that tests strategy and reflexes. The game’s visuals impress with detailed models, vibrant settings, and seamless animations that enhance immersion.TimeSplitters: Future Perfect honors the series' legacy while innovating with modern gameplay elements, appealing to both longtime fans and new players. Whether for its compelling story, engaging multiplayer, or sheer entertainment value, it promises an unforgettable journey through time and space, making it a timeless addition to any gamer’s collection.
