Alone in the Dark developer Pieces Interactive has been hit with layoffs a month after its release, as per the latest information.
Kotaku’s senior reporter ethangach has reported that Pieces Interactive appears to be laying off some staff members a month after shipping Alone in the Dark. The studio is owned by Embracer Group, which has recently shut down, sold off, and laid off several of its game studios.
The Alone in the Dark reboot got a mixed reception from critics, which likely influenced the game’s sales. Despite featuring Stranger Things actor David Harbour, the game failed to gain much traction. As such, Embracer is likely not pleased with this outcome. The Saints Row reboot failing to meet sales projections led to the closure of Embracer-owned developer Volition. We certainly hope that Pieces Interactive does not meet the same fate.
Alone in the Dark serves as a reimagining of the original 1992 title and marks the seventh installment in the Alone in the Dark series. Set in the 1930s, the game lets players assume the role of either Edward Carnby (portrayed by David Harbour) or Emily Hartwood (portrayed by Jodie Comer). Their objective is to explore Derceto Mansion and unravel its secrets. The game was released on March 20, 2024, and is available for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S platforms.
The narrative of Alone in the Dark focuses on the lives of Emily Hartwood and private investigator Edward Carnby, who journey to Derceto Manor to investigate the disappearance of Emily’s uncle, Jeremy Hartwood. Unlike the original, Pieces Interactive’s Alone in the Dark is played from an over-the-shoulder third-person camera perspective, much like the recent remakes in the Resident Evil series. Combat involves the use of firearms or melee weapons. Playing as each of the two protagonists leads to unique cutscenes and levels.