Embracer Group, the parent company of developer Eidos Montreal, has officially canceled an undisclosed Deus Ex game after two years of development, according to reports from Bloomberg. This unexpected decision has also resulted in the layoff of numerous employees at Eidos Montreal, adding to the challenges faced by the gaming industry.
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Background and Project Timeline
The initial rumors of a Deus Ex revival by Eidos Montreal emerged in 2022, coinciding with the intellectual property's acquisition by Embracer Group in a substantial $300 million deal with Square Enix. By November of the same year, the project was reportedly in its early development stages.
Unfortunately, recent revelations indicate that the game, which was slated to enter full production later in 2024, has now been abruptly canceled.
Embracer's Restructuring Efforts and Layoffs
Embracer Group's decision to discontinue the Deus Ex project is in line with its broader cost-cutting strategy, as announced in June 2023 to reduce its 17,000-strong workforce. This action follows layoffs at Crystal Dynamics and a prior reduction of 900 jobs. Bloomberg's report indicates that Embracer's restructuring extends beyond project cancellations, reflecting an ongoing initiative to adapt to the evolving industry landscape.
In response to the layoffs, Eidos Montreal acknowledged the impact of global economic challenges and industry dynamics, attributing them to Embracer's comprehensive restructuring. The studio laid off 97 employees across development, administration, and support services.
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