"Some of the best games of the last decade came from teams of fifty": Destroy All Humans! remake devs Black Forest Games split from THQ Nordic to launch new ind
Black Forest Games, known for Destroy All Humans! remakes, has split from THQ Nordic via a management buyout to form an independent developer group called Third Signal.
Black Forest Games, the German studio behind the Destroy All Humans! remakes, has completed a management buyout from THQ Nordic, an Embracer Group subsidiary, to become an independent entity. The studio will now operate under a new developer-driven group called Third Signal, which aims to provide teams with greater independence and creative freedom.
The move follows nine years of collaboration with THQ Nordic, during which Black Forest released multiple titles including the 2020 Destroy All Humans! remake and Destroy All Humans! 2: Reprobed.
, Bubsy, and Giana Sisters, developed in partnership with other studios. The studio's management team will retain ownership stakes in the new group while continuing to collaborate with THQ Nordic on game development tasks. The move is framed as an opportunity to pursue more original projects rather than relying solely on remakes and revivals.
As of the announcement, Third Signal's online presence consists of a minimal website featuring a logo and placeholder content, including an email address and legal notices. The studio's co-founders, Adrian Goersch and Andreas Tobler, expressed enthusiasm for the new direction, emphasizing the potential for creative freedom and the ability to bring new ideas to life. The practical impact of the split remains to be seen, particularly regarding future project development and partnerships.