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The Phoenix from the Ashes: Campfire Cabal’s Unexpected Return
The gaming industry is no stranger to volatility, with studios opening and closing their doors as the winds of fortune shift. In recent years, the Embracer Group, a Swedish video game and media holding company, has been at the center of much of this turbulence. Following a massive investment deal falling through, Embracer initiated a large-scale restructuring program, leading to numerous studio closures, layoffs, and project cancellations. Among the casualties was Campfire Cabal, a studio founded by THQ Nordic in September 2022 with a focus on narrative-driven RPGs. However, in a surprising turn of events, Campfire Cabal has announced that it “never shut down” and is now working on a new game in the Expeditions series. This resurgence is a testament to the dedication of the team and the support of THQ Nordic, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the industry’s challenges.
The Rise and Near Fall of Campfire Cabal
Campfire Cabal was established with the ambition of creating high-quality, narrative-rich RPGs. As part of the THQ Nordic family, the studio was initially set up for success. However, the rug was pulled out from under them less than a year later when Embracer Group faced a financial crisis. The studio was ordered to close as part of the restructuring process, a decision attributed to purely financial reasons and not related to the quality of their work. This news sent shockwaves through the studio, but the management and team refused to give up hope.
Keeping the Campfire Burning
Despite the closure announcement, Campfire Cabal found a way to persevere. In a blog post, the studio revealed that while they had to say goodbye to many colleagues, a compact team continued working on their project, a new installment in the Expeditions series. This small but dedicated group kept the “campfire burning,” fueled by their passion for game development and the support of THQ Nordic.
The Expeditions Series: A Legacy of Historical RPGs
The Expeditions series is known for its historical settings, intricate narratives, and strategic gameplay. Previous titles include:
- Expeditions: Conquistador: Released in 2013, this game puts players in the role of a Spanish conquistador exploring the New World. It features a blend of exploration, resource management, and turn-based combat.
- Expeditions: Viking: Released in 2017, this installment takes players to the Viking Age, where they must lead their clan to glory through raiding, trading, and diplomacy.
- Expeditions: Rome: Released in 2022, this critically acclaimed title allows players to experience the life of a Roman legionary, participating in historical campaigns and shaping the course of the Roman Republic.
Campfire Cabal took over the Expeditions series under rights-holders THQ Nordic. The studio’s dedication to the series was further demonstrated by their continued support for Expeditions: Rome, even patching the game in 2024 despite the studio’s “closure.”
Scaling Back Up: A New Chapter
In March 2025, Campfire Cabal received the “green light” to scale back up and transition into full production on their new Expeditions game. While details about the game are scarce, the studio’s commitment to quality and narrative depth suggests that it will be a worthy addition to the series. The revival of Campfire Cabal is a beacon of hope for the gaming industry, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, passion and perseverance can lead to unexpected comebacks.
Embracer Group: A Restructuring Giant
The Embracer Group’s restructuring program has had a significant impact on the gaming industry. The company, which owns numerous studios and IPs, was forced to make drastic cuts after a $2 billion investment deal fell through. This led to the closure of several studios, including:
- Volition: The studio behind the Saints Row series.
- Free Radical Design: Known for the TimeSplitters series.
- Pieces Interactive: The developer of Alone in the Dark (2024).
In addition to studio closures, Embracer has also laid off a significant portion of its workforce and cancelled numerous projects. The restructuring is expected to continue through 2025, with further changes and divestments likely. Despite the challenges, Embracer is working to stabilize its business and focus on its core strengths. The company is undergoing a split into three separate entities, each focusing on different areas of the gaming and entertainment industry.
A Hopeful Sprout from Blackened Earth
The return of Campfire Cabal is a rare positive story amidst the turmoil caused by Embracer’s restructuring. It shows that even when a studio is seemingly shut down, the talent and passion of its team can endure. The studio’s revival could be seen as a hopeful sprout of green emerging from a blackened earth laid bare by years of seemingly endless layoffs. This resurgence demonstrates the resilience of the gaming industry and the dedication of developers who are determined to create meaningful experiences for players. As Campfire Cabal scales back up and enters full production on their new Expeditions game, the gaming community eagerly anticipates what the future holds for this resurrected studio.