The signs had already become clearer, now it’s clear: The Embracer Group has sold Gearbox Software, which has now landed at Take-Two. There was some good news as Borderlands 4 is now officially in the works.
There have been frequent rumors in the rumor mill recently that the Embracer Group wants to continue cutting costs and selling studios; As a result, Gearbox should also be about to be sold. Now it is clear: These speculations should be true, because Gearbox has now confirmed that it is no longer part of the Embracer Group. Instead, the company behind successful series like Borderlands has now been bought by Take-Two Interactive or 2K.
The announcement was made via an image posted on Gearbox’s social media channels. Studio founder Randy Pitchford emphasizes that Take-Two Interactive and 2K will help the developer reach the next level. Further information was then available in the English-language press release about the deal, as it revealed some good news: Borderlands 4 and a new Homeworld are officially in development! However, there were initially no more details about this.
2K President David Ismailer said: “We are excited to welcome Randy Pitchford and his team of passionate and talented developers to 2K, and we look forward to releasing several projects together as colleagues in the future. We loved it, “We are committed to partnering with Gearbox on every installment of the Borderlands franchise and are excited to be in active development on the next installment in the series.”
First of all, the deal itself has to be concluded anyway. Take-Two said the purchase is expected to close by June 30, 2024; According to reports, this will cost Take-Two a whopping $460 million. Embracer Group will retain certain studios and rights, including Gearbox Publishing San Francisco, Cryptic Studios, Lost Boys Interactive and Captured Dimensions, as well as publishing rights to the Remnant franchise, Hyper Light Breaker and other titles.
Take-Two, on the other hand, acquires Gearbox Software in Frisco (Texas), Gearbox Montreal, Gearbox Studio Quebec and the brands Borderlands, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, Homeworld, Risk of Rain, Brothers in Arms and Duke Nukem.