Destroy All Humans remake developer goes independent, splits from THQ Nordic and parent company Embracer Group
eurogamer.net Nov 12, 2026

Destroy All Humans remake developer goes independent, splits from THQ Nordic and parent company Embracer Group

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Black Forest Games, the studio behind the recent remakes of the first two Destroy All Humans titles, has completed a management buyout to become independent from THQ Nordic and parent Embracer Group. Immediately after the split, the studio co‑founded Third Signal, a collective intended to pool resources and support other independent developers while preserving creative autonomy. The move follows Embracer’s 2024 restructuring, which saw the sale of several major studios including Gearbox and Borderlands. Black Forest retains a working relationship with THQ Nordic, though rights to the Destroy All Humans franchise remain unclear. Third Signal’s CEO Andreas Tobler emphasized a vision of small‑team agility over large‑scale corporate structures, positioning the new group as a potential hub for indie innovation today.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · By breaking away from a sprawling conglomerate, Black Forest can champion indie‑scale development models that prioritize creative control, offering a blueprint for other mid‑size studios seeking sustainable growth.