Our second class of OpenAI Fellows has wrapped up, with each Fellow going from a machine learning beginner to core OpenAI contributor in the course of a 6-month apprenticeship. We are currently reviewing applications on a rolling basis for our next r

Chris Kerr, Senior Editor, News, GameDeveloper.comAugust 14, 20253 Min ReadLogo via Embracer Group / Kingdom Come Deliverance screenshot via Warhorse StudiosEmbracer Group—which is in the process of splitting into three standalone companies following an era of mass layoffs, project cancellations, and divestments—has confirmed it will explore "targeted cost initiatives" and look to streamline processes with the help of AI technology during what CEO Phil Rogers described as a "transition year" for the Swedish conglomerate.Addressing investors in the company's latest fiscal report, Rogers said Embracer's performance during the first quarter of the current financial year was "quiet" and said the company must now focus on "operational and strategic execution" to position itself for long-term growth.Consolidated net sales decreased by 31 percent to SEK 3,355 million ($350.5 million) during Q1. Breaking that total down by operating segment, PC/Console Games decreased by 38 percent to SEK 1,641 million; Mobile Games decreased by 63 percent to SEK 520 million; and Entertainment & Services increased by 41 percent to SEK 1,193 million."As we move forward, we are taking a conservative approach for this current year, reflecting a measured view on the timing and performance of our PC/Console release schedule in addition to potential continued softness in our catalog following Q1," said Rogers, who officially stepped up as CEO on August 1, 2025, to allow outgoing chief exec Lars Wingefors to take on the mantle of executive chair. Related:"This year is a transition period as we lay the foundations of Fellowship Entertainment and focus on building a business led by key IP and empowered teams, in a structure enabling focus and operational discipline. It is paramount that we concentrate on the quality and long-term value of our releases rather than chasing short-term gains."What does that mean for Embracer employees? According to Rogers, the company will implement "targeted cost initiatives" relating to underperforming business. Those initiatives could potentially result in more divestments. Game Developer has reached out to Embracer to clarify whether those plans could potentially include layoffs.Embracer CEO believes AI will become an "increasingly supportive force"Rogers claims Embracer is facing a "pivotal moment" and must double down on its biggest franchises. He explained the company has increased capital allocation to its core IPs, which include The Lord of the Rings, Tomb Raider, Kingdom Come Deliverance, Metro, Dead Island, Darksiders, and Remnant. He believes those franchises represent "one of the most exciting IP portfolios in the industry" but said Embracer must now "sharpen" its focus. The company currently has nine triple-A titles slated for release, excluding projects being financed by external partners. Related:"As previously noted, one or a couple of these games will most likely slip into FY 2028/29, but we do see a clear increase in release cadence as compared to our average of just over 1 AAA game per year in the past five years," said Rogers, discussing that release slate. "We expect the increased released pipeline in combination with lower fixed costs will notably improve free cashflow FY 2026/27 onwards."As Embracer prepares to evolve into Fellowship Entertainment, Rogers said the company must significantly rewire its business to create a "powerhouse unit" within its PC and console division. According to Rogers, leveraging AI technologies will be  integral part of that process. His predecessor had already suggested that ignoring AI tools could lead to it being "outrun" by its competitors. "This comes through smarter collaboration, increased streamlining, shared services and with AI as an increasingly supportive force," Rogers continued. "These factors will be key to unlocking value and expanding margins." As the table below shows, Embracer has already significantly reduced its workforce following a number of layoffs and key divestments. Related:Its entire workforce totaled 7,228 people (including 5,452 game developers) as of June 2025. That a notable decrease on the 13,712 workers (and 10,713 game developers) it employed at the end of June 2024. The company currently has 116 video games in development—down on the 127 projects it had in the pipeline this time last year, but actually up on the 108 titles it showcased in March.Read more about:Embracer GroupGenerative AI, Machine Learning, & LLMsTop StoriesAbout the AuthorChris KerrSenior Editor, News, GameDeveloper.comGame Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.See more from Chris KerrDaily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inboxStay UpdatedYou May Also Like

Bringing together the world’s brightest minds and the latest accelerated computing technology leads to powerful breakthroughs that help tackle some of the biggest research problems. To foster such innovation, the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program provides grants, mentors and technical support to doctoral students doing outstanding research relevant to NVIDIA technologies. The program, in its 25th year, is now accepting applications worldwide. It focuses on supporting students working in AI, machine learning, autonomous vehicles, computer graphics, robotics, healthcare, high-performance computing and related fields. Awards are up to $60,000 per student. Since its start in 2002, the Graduate Fellowship Program has awarded over 200 grants worth more than $7.3 million. Students must have completed at least their first year of Ph.D.-level studies at the time of application. The application deadline for the 2026-2027 academic year is Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. An in-person internship at an NVIDIA research office preceding the fellowship year is mandatory; eligible candidates must be available for the internship in summer 2026. For more on eligibility and how to apply, visit the program website.