Summary
Ever since the release of the originalGothicput the studio on the map all the way back in 2001,Piranha Byteshas become known for creating its own experimental style of cult classic RPG titles. While there has been mixed reception to some of its efforts over the years, uniquely deep experiences such asRisenandElexhave managed to reveal the best of what the so-called “eurojank” subgenre has to offer to many dedicated fans. As a result ofPiranha Bytes' business dealings following its acquisition by Embracer Group, however, the studio’s current status seems to be more precarious than ever.
Embracer Group, the Swedish holdings company previous known as THQ Nordic, and Nordic Games before that, has recently been making headlines due to lay-offs at, and the closure of several of its acquired studios after not receiving an expected return on its investments in recent years. Unfortunate circumstances such asthe shutdown ofSaints Rows' Volition, or the alleged interest in selling off Gearbox Software less than three years after acquiring the developer, have started to put Embracer’s business into question among fans, but many likely never expected this apparent mismanagement to reach Piranha Bytes, yet another subsidiary as of 2019.
Why Piranha Bytes' Mixed Bag of RPGs is Worth Exploring
Venturing Outside Typical RPG Conventions Since Gothic
Gamers viewing the middling review scores of some releases under the studio may find themselves under the impression that Piranha Bytes' projects aren’t worth checking out, but this couldn’t be further from the truth for fans of the RPG genre. Known for experiences like the impressive andbrutal open world ofGothicbefore the days of Soulslike being trendy, or systems like the obtuse and complex stats ofElex, this developer has a track record of appealing to hardcore fans with titles that can take tens of hours of playtime to even fully grasp.
A Studio That Has Learned From Past Mistakes
Highlights of its history have come to define the developer, but the same could possibly be said about the various blunders it has had as well.Ranking Piranha Bytes' games, the studio’s sequels seem to almost never fare nearly as well as its original titles, with the likes ofGothic 3andRisen 2being seen as major disappointments when compared to their predecessors. Given the smaller team that can have trouble with technical polish, and a heavy reliance on characters and atmosphere in every project as a result, it has been all too apparent when elements of its releases have fallen short. The resilience to move forward from these moments has also come to define the studio, however, and it may still be able to continue growing past them in coming years.
Piranha Bytes Still Has Potential for a Bright Future in New and Returning IPs Alike
Piranha Bytes' Recent Struggles Shouldn’t Hold It Back
Rumors of Embracer Group’s interest in selling off Piranha Bytes was likely saddening, but also predictable among fans when considering the holding company’s other recent business decisions, as theElex 2’s releasenearElden Ringdid the project no favors. There have been reports that the studio was still in the process of developingElex 3with over three million euros of German governement funding, but speculation regarding Embracer’s attempted sale has put that entire situation into question. In reality, Embracer may have been unable to find a buyer for the developer in the end due to its sheer risk factor, meaning that this opportunity has a chance to continue after all.
The “AA” Games Market is Only Growing
In a modern age of games saturated by similar experiences that follow trends and often fail to captivate a dedicated fanbase, there has been an increase in focus on smaller, more creative endeavors. Between examples of popular smaller projects inthe success ofHelldivers 2and Palworld, achieving player counts previously held by AAA releases, there may now be more room for the “eurojank” of Piranha Bytes’s games in the industry than ever. Given how unique Piranha Bytes is, it would be beneficial for the industry if it overcame this period of struggles and uncertainty.
Elex 2
WHERE TO PLAY
ELEX II is the sequel to ELEX, the vintage open-world role-playing experience from the award-winning creators of the Gothic and Risen series, Piranha Bytes. ELEX II returns to the post-apocalyptic Science Fantasy world of Magalan – with massive environments that can be explored with unrivaled freedom via jetpack, you will be able to move through the epic story any way you want.Several years after Jax defeated the Hybrid, a new threat arrives from the sky, unleashing the dangerous powers of dark Elex and endangering all life on the planet. In order to defend the peace on Magalan and the safety of his own family, Jax has to go on a mission to convince the factions to unite against the invaders and find his own son, Dex, who got separated from him …Dive into a huge, hand-crafted, completely unique world with multiple factions and diverse environments set in a post-apocalyptic science fantasy universe.
