34BigThings splits from Embracer Group

Redout series developer 34BigThings has split from Embracer Group and gone independent as of April 17, the studio announced. Original founder Valerio Di Donato has acquired 100 percent of the company’s shares.

34BigThings was acquired by Embracer Group in November 2020 and placed under the guidance of Saber Interactive. Following Saber Interactive’s split from Embracer Group in March 2024, 34BigThings was retained by Embracer Group. Since then, 34BigThings released Carmageddon: Rogue Shift. Another new title, “built on one of the most important, beloved, and revered intellectual properties in the world,” will be announced later in 2026.

Here is the full message from 34BigThings on the company’s new independence:

The following is the official statement from the 34BigThings team on the new ownership structure of the studio, with original founder Valerio Di Donato re-acquiring 100 percent of the company as of April 17, 2026.

“34BigThings was born as an indie studio and has always remained indie at heart, guided by a simple philosophy: ‘We make games we love to play,'” said founder Valerio Di Donato.

“By joining the Embracer Group in 2020, 34BigThings gained a secure platform that allowed us to scale to a mighty team of 70-plus, establishing us as an acclaimed force in the European development scene. This provided us with invaluable structure and stability, while offering a first-hand look at the complexities of balancing internal development with external stakeholders. Through this journey, we have cultivated deep, hands-on experience in managing world-class IPs and navigating complex global production pipelines, witnessing firsthand how business operations can be conducted within small and large teams, within a single entity and across multiple studios.

“This is a level of experience we now bring to the next phase of our journey. By returning to a privately held, founder-owned structure, we are able to operate with greater focus and agility. We are well positioned to build direct, ambitious partnerships with global publishers and investors.”

Following the transition, the studio will be led by head of studio and original co-founder Giuseppe Enrico Franchi, together with a streamlined board of directors consisting of Valerio Di Donato and chief financial officer Daniel Giagnorio.

“Since our inception in 2013, we have felt part of a rising, unstoppable tide,” said head of studio and original co-founder Giuseppe Enrico Franchi. “We were good and lucky enough to be part of a golden age of indie [developers]. Returning to full independence gives us absolute autonomy to shape our structure, our projects, and our development approach. It’s refreshing to be steering our own ship once more.

“This new chapter will begin with an absolute bang. Later this year, we will be announcing a major title built on one of the most important, beloved, and revered intellectual properties in the world. And that’s just the start: our production pipeline is fully charged, with another major title scheduled for 2027 followed by another groundbreaking project slated for 2028.”

It all started as a post-degree dream in a living room. We have conquered so much, but what drives us today is the same ambition and curiosity. 34BigThings is back where it belongs, and we are ready for our next big step.