The bad news about closures and layoffs keeps coming and this time it amplifies a situation taking place at Take-Two Interactive, the multimillion-dollar publisher of franchises like Grand Theft Auto and NBA 2K. A recent report indicates that its independent label, Private Division, might have its days numbered.
Take-Two wants to get rid of Private Division, its independent label
According to information from Rebekah Valentine of IGN, Take-Two Interactive wants to get rid of Private Division one way or another, either through a sale or a definitive closure. This division is responsible for studios whose fate is already determined, such as Roll7 and Intercept Games, creators of OlliOlli World and Kerbal Space Program 2, and it is precisely in them that the key lies to consider that the label will disappear.
According to sources consulted, the closure of Roll7 and Intercept Games was leaked ahead of time as both studios will end their operations by the end of June. However, this would be part of a larger plan related to Private Division, as Take-Two no longer wants this label in its ranks and it would be sacrificed in favor of its plan to clean up finances.
It is mentioned that there is a team in Private Division responsible for launches that could have commercial potential, such as Moon Studios No Rest for the Wicked. However, the reality would have been different for the rest as it is reported that the agreement they had with Bloober Team for the development of a new IP was canceled, so there is no greater perspective for Take-Twos indie and alternative projects arm.
Although the end of the relationship between Take-Two and Private Division would be imminent, the information indicates that the publisher is trying to achieve favorable agreements for the franchises, teams, and projects already agreed upon that are still in development, practically selling them to the highest bidder. However, if this does not work, the closure and layoffs will be a fact, and only a few will remain in charge of pending releases once the label is sold or disappears.
At the beginning of this month, details about a move made by Private Division were leaked as it laid off most of its workers in its Seattle, New York, Las Vegas, and Munich offices, anticipating actions like the one revealed this week.
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