Embracer Group shuts down Montreal video game studio

Video game publisher Embracer Group AB is shutting down Onoma, a Montreal, Canada-based video game studio that it acquired just months ago.

Onoma, formerly known as Square Enix Montreal, was best known for creating the Go series of mobile games such as Hitman Go.  The company informed employees Tuesday that some staff would be transferred to a sister studio, Eidos Montreal, said people familiar with the situation.

A representative for Embracer confirmed Tuesday that the company is closing Onoma and said the move would impact around 200 employees.

The shutdown is unusual because of the timing. Onoma was purchased in May and on Oct. 10 announced a new name and branding.