In a significant shift within the gaming industry, 34BigThings, the developer behind the popular Carmageddon: Rogue Shift, has announced its return to independence after a six-year tenure under the Embracer Group. The studio’s original co-founder, Valerio Di Donato, has successfully acquired full ownership, paving the way for a new leadership team that includes Di Donato, fellow co-founder Giuseppe Enrico Franchi, and newly appointed chief financial officer Daniel Giagnorio.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, Di Donato expressed gratitude towards Embracer, acknowledging that their support played a crucial role in the studio’s growth. Under Embracer’s stewardship, 34BigThings expanded its workforce to over 70 employees and solidified its reputation as a prominent European developer, known for titles such as the Redout series, Mars or Die!, and Otto.
Despite the backdrop of industry challenges, including layoffs and restructuring within the Embracer Group, Franchi emphasized that their decision to reacquire the studio was driven solely by their vision for its future. “Our reacquisition plans were independent of any external conversations and motivated by the growth and direction we wanted to see in the studio,” he stated, underscoring their commitment to a clear path forward.
Looking Ahead
As 34BigThings embarks on this new chapter, the team is eager to make a strong impression. Franchi hinted at exciting developments on the horizon, stating, “We are looking to kick off our next phase with an absolute bang.” The studio plans to unveil a major title later this year, one that is based on a highly esteemed and beloved intellectual property.
This announcement is just the beginning; the studio’s production pipeline is brimming with potential. Following the anticipated release later this year, 34BigThings has another significant title lined up for 2027, along with a groundbreaking project set for 2028. With these plans in place, the studio is poised to make a remarkable impact in the gaming landscape once again.
