Gothic, Risen, and Elex developer Piranha Bytes is now closed
Following news earlier this year in which the German RPG studio admitted to being "in a difficult situation", Piranha Bytes is now formally closed, according to reporting via German outlet GameStar (h/t Eurogamer). Piranha Bytes is known for the Gothic, Risen, and Elex role-playing franchises.
Two former leads at Piranha Bytes - Björn Pankratz and Jennifer Pankratz - have formed a new indie studio named Pithead Studio. The new studio announcement was made on Twitter, and the founders have posted a video to YouTube describing the new initiative.
With Pithead Studio we have founded a new indie studio.
— Pithead Studio (@PitheadStudio) July 8, 2024
In the future we will develop immersive and fantastic indie games.
Curious? Then take a look at our latest video.https://t.co/qTTwtLqtnm
Please spread the word!#pithead #pitheadstudio #indiedev pic.twitter.com/oCzXAKKwtJ
Although Piranha Bytes was never involved in the project, a remake of Gothic is currently in development at Alkimia Interactive, published by another Embracer entity in THQ Nordic.
Embracer Group acquired Piranha Bytes in 2019, back when the holdings company was named THQ Nordic AB. The holdings company changed its name to Embracer Group later that year to avoid confusion with THQ Nordic GmbH, one of Embracer's subsidiary companies.