Embracer cancels Deus Ex game in development for two years

Eidos Montreal's new Deus Ex game has been canceled by Embracer Group, prompting an unknown number of layoffs at the studio.

As reported by Bloombergthe upcoming project had been in development at Eidos Montreal for around two years, following its acquisition by Embracer in 2022. The decision to call an end to this project was part of the Swedish conglomerate's ongoing restructuring and cost cutting measures.

Those who remain at the studio will now shift their focus to an “original franchise,” Bloomberg said.

According to the publication's sources – who chose to remain anonymous as they have not been authorized to speak publicly about the project – the now-cancelled Deus Ex game was expected to enter full production later this year.

There were previously rumors a Deus Ex game was in the works, but the project was yet to be publicly announced.

Eurogamer has asked Embracer for comment.

This year has seen multiple other companies announce layoffs, including League of Legends developer Riot Games, Black Forest Games, Unity, Behavior Interactive and Lords of the Fallen publisher CI Games.

Last week, Microsoft announced it was laying off 1900 employees across its video game teams. In an email sent around the company, Microsoft's gaming head Phil Spencer called this a “painful decision.”

Meanwhile, earlier this month GDC published its 2024 State of the Game Industry report. Here, it said 35 percent of game developers had been impacted by layoffs in the last 12 months. Additionally, half of those surveyed said they are concerned more job cuts are on the way.