Italy’s second-largest independent game studio buys its freedom from Embracer
Italian game studio 34BigThings has successfully purchased its independence from Embracer, returning to the hands of its original founders after six years under the publisher’s ownership. Co-founder Valerio Di Donato led the acquisition that restored full ownership of the studio to its founding team.
34BigThings is known for developing popular titles including the Redout racing series and Carmageddon: Rogue Shift, a vehicular combat reboot. The studio also previously released Mars or Die! and Otto. Under Embracer’s ownership, the studio expanded significantly, growing to over 70 employees and establishing itself as one of Italy’s most significant independent studios.
The studio will now be led by Di Donato and fellow co-founder Giuseppe Enrico Franchi, alongside newly appointed chief financial officer Daniel Giagnorio. In announcing the move, Di Donato acknowledged Embracer’s positive stewardship during the six-year partnership, crediting the publisher with enabling the studio’s substantial growth and helping establish its reputation in the industry.
The acquisition marks a significant moment in an ongoing trend of studios seeking independence from larger publishers. 34BigThings’ buyback reflects growing momentum among developers to regain creative control and ownership, even as industry consolidation through publisher acquisitions continues elsewhere in the gaming sector.