Take-Two Buys Gearbox From Embracer, Confirms Growth on New Borderlands Recreation

Embracer Group has formally divested Gearbox Leisure, promoting the division to Take-Two Interactive for $460 million.

In a press launch, Embracer shared that it’s divesting Gearbox Software program, Gearbox Montreal, Gearbox Studio Quebec, and the franchises Borderlands, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, Homeworld, Threat of Rain, Brothers in Arms, and Duke Nukem. Embracer will retain rights to Gearbox Publishing San Francisco (previously Excellent World Leisure, and which it plans to rename), the publishing rights to Remnant, Hyper Gentle Breaker, and different unannounced video games, Cryptic Studios, Misplaced Boys Interactive, and Captured Dimensions. All of its retained belongings will likely be built-in into different components of Embracer Group. The sale is predicted to shut by the tip of June.

Gearbox will be a part of Take-Two’s 2K division and can proceed to be led by CEO and founder Randy Pitchford. Presently, Gearbox has each a brand new Borderlands and a brand new Homeworld sport in improvement, in addition to “not less than one thrilling new mental property,” per a separate press launch.

Notably, the complete buy worth of $460 million will likely be paid to Embracer Group in Take-Two shares somewhat than money. For comparability, Embracer initially bought Gearbox for $363 million, half in money and half in newly-issued Embracer Group shares, with a further consideration of $1.015 billion (additionally partially in shares) to be paid out if Gearbox hit sure targets inside six years.

Gearbox and Take-Two have had a long-standing relationship, with Take-Two serving because the writer of the Borderlands franchise by way of its 2K label. The 2 even have partnered on an upcoming Borderlands movie, in addition to Gearbox’s 2016 sport Battleborn.

Embracer Group has been regularly shedding a variety of its many, many studios after an multi-year acquisition spree fell aside final 12 months. Most not too long ago, it divested Saber Interactive, and has made quite a few cuts such because the closure of Saints Row developer Volition, the cancellation of an unannounced Deus Ex sport, and the layoffs of over 900 employees, with extra anticipated sooner or later.

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Acquired a narrative tip? Ship it to rvalentine@ign.com.