The Swedish holding Embracer Group keeps the Ukrainian studio 4A Games and the Hungarian Zen Studios in its composition, refusing to sell them to a company with Russian connections. The holding receives a significant amount for the sale of other assets, confirming its exit from the Russian market.
Game studios remain
Embracer retains key assets
Swedish the giant of the video game industry Embracer Group announced the retention of two important studios in its portfolio: Ukrainian 4A Games, known for the Metro series, and Hungarian Zen Studios, creators of popular pinball simulators. This news comes after concerns about the possible transition of these studios under the control of Beacon Interactive, a company with Russian roots. Embracer Group's official website reports receiving $168.4 million, with an additional $28.1 million coming in 2024 and 2025.
Financial Agreement Details
Embracer Group said in a statement: "This settlement is related to the divestment of certain assets from the former Saber Interactive operations group, which was announced on March 14, 2024, and the process was completed on March 28, 2024. The agreement finalizes the financial aspects of the transaction, and the overall The payment amount reflects both the early repayment of the promissory notes and the cancellation of the buyer's option to acquire 4A Games and Zen Studios."
Background and Consequences
It is worth reminding that in March of this year Embracer Group decided to leave the Russian market, selling its Russian subsidiary Saber Interactive for $247 million to Beacon Interactive. Interestingly, Beacon Interactive is controlled by Matthew Karch, co-founder of Saber along with Russian partners, which effectively meant the company bought itself out.
Under the terms of the agreement, Beacon Interactive received the option to acquire 4A Games and Zen Studios for at a fixed price during a specified period. There were rumors about the possibility of implementing this option.
Industry reaction
Jason Schreier, a well-known Bloomberg journalist, shared in the social network X with information that the Russian Saber Interactive planned to join the Ukrainian developer Metro. However, these plans did not materialize. Schreier quotes Saber CEO Matthew Karch as saying, "It was always our intention to work with 4A, but we decided it would be best for all parties if the studio remained part of Embracer."
Upcoming Projects
Embracer also revealed that 4A Games is currently working on two new AAA projects, the announcements of which are causing significant buzz. interest in the gaming community.
Controversial game on the Ukrainian service
Recently, a discussion arose around the presence of the game Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, developed by Saber Interactive, on the Ukrainian Boosteroid service. We analyzed this situation in detail, taking into account the studio's potential tax payments to the Russian budget, which could reach more than 232 million rubles (approximately $2.44 million).
Glossary
- 4A Games is a Ukrainian studio-developer of video games, known for the Metro series
- Zen Studios - a Hungarian studio specializing in the creation of pinball simulators
- Embracer Group - a Swedish holding of the video game industry
- Saber Interactive - a video game development company with Russian roots
- Beacon Interactive - a company related to the former owners of Saber Interactive
Link
- https:// embracer.com/releases/embracer-group-receives-early-payment-for-sale-of-saber-assets-4a-games-and-zen-studios-will-remain-within-embracer-group/
- https://x.com/jasonschreier/status/1834532524116136101
Answers to questions
Which studios remain in part of the Embracer Group?
What amount did Embracer Group receive for the divestiture?
What is known about the exit of Embracer Group from the Russian market?
Was Saber Interactive planning to acquire 4A Games?
What is 4A Games currently working on?
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Discussion of the topic – 4A Games and Zen Studios remain part of the Embracer Group: Ukrainian developers do not transfer to Russians
Embracer Group has confirmed that Ukrainian studio 4A Games and Hungarian Zen Studios remain in their fold, denying rumors of a move to Beacon Interactive with a Russian footprint. The holding received $168.4 million and expects another $28.1 million.
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Anna
Wow, that's great news! 4A Games remains with Embracer Group. I was so worried that they might come under Russian influence. This is a great victory for the Ukrainian gaming industry! 🎉
Maxim
Yes, Anna, it is really important. But I'm more interested in what's going on with 4A Games' new projects. Two AAA projects sounds very intriguing! Do you think it will be a new Metro or something completely different?
Sophia
Maxim, I would like to see something new from 4A Games. Metro is cool, but it would be interesting to see how they unlock their potential in a different setting. Maybe something cyberpunk or post-apocalyptic, but not as dark as Metro? 🤔
Viktor
Oh, those new trends again... Metro is a classic, why change anything? It would be better to make another part, but more complex and atmospheric. All these new ideas only spoil good franchises.
Olena
Viktor, but development is good! Although I understand your love for Metro. Perhaps one project will be a continuation of the series, and the other - something new? So the wolves are fed, and the sheep are whole 😄 By the way, I wonder how this situation will affect the future of the Ukrainian game development industry?
Maxim
Olena, I think it will give a powerful boost to our industry! Now there is a lot of attention on Ukraine, and the success of 4A Games may attract new investments. Who knows, maybe soon we will have new world-class studios? 💪
Anna
Absolutely agree with Maxim! And it is also important that it shows: Ukrainian developers can successfully work in international companies while maintaining their identity. This is a great example for others!
Sophia
Yes, and this proves once again that talent and quality are always valued, regardless of the political situation. I hope this will inspire more young Ukrainians to study gamedev and create something incredible! 🚀🎮