adminEmbark Studios and co-founder Rob Runesson have mutually agreed to part ways after allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female streamer associated with The Finals. The studio says an external investigation did not substantiate the allegations, while also describing the situation as unsustainable. The distinction matters: the company has reported the outcome of its investigation, but has not shared further details about its findings.
Image credit: Embark Studios
Embark Studios and Rob Runesson: what the studio said
In a statement, the Stockholm-based developer said it had recently learned of allegations against an employee. Embark said it takes such matters seriously and hired an external law firm to investigate.
The studio’s statement said the investigation did not substantiate the allegations. It also said that Embark and Runesson had mutually agreed to part ways because the situation was considered unsustainable. The company has not publicly provided additional information about the investigation or the circumstances behind the decision.
When reviewing reports about an investigation, it is useful to distinguish between what an organisation has confirmed and what has been alleged. In this case, Embark has confirmed the departure and described the investigation’s conclusion, but the available statement does not set out a detailed account of the allegations.
What the allegations reportedly involved
A report about the case said the allegations concerned a female streamer connected with The Finals. An anonymous source quoted in that report said the streamer had become increasingly uncomfortable with requests from Runesson for sexual conversations and favours.
The source also said the streamer was worried about a potential conflict of interest. According to the account, the streamer felt unable to push back because Runesson’s promotion of their streams had become a source of financial support. These details are attributed to the anonymous source and have not been independently confirmed in Embark’s public statement.
The report said the streamer allegedly raised the matter with an Embark community manager but was not aware that an investigation was taking place. Embark has not publicly clarified how the complaint was handled or whether the streamer was informed about the investigation.
Embark’s background
Embark was founded in 2018 by Patrick Söderlund and other former employees of DICE, the studio known for developing the Battlefield series. Runesson was among the former DICE staff involved in founding Embark. The studio later developed THE FINALS and ARC Raiders.
Embark has not shared further details about Runesson’s departure. Any future clarification from the studio could help explain the process and the company’s response, while preserving the distinction between the allegations and the findings it has disclosed.
What to know about the Embark Studios Rob Runesson decision
- Embark said an external investigation did not substantiate the allegations.
- The studio and Runesson mutually agreed to part ways, which Embark described as necessary because the situation was unsustainable.
- Reported details about the streamer’s account come from an anonymous source and are not included in the studio’s public statement.
In summary, Embark Studios and Rob Runesson have ended their professional relationship following sexual misconduct allegations. The studio says its external investigation did not substantiate them, while the circumstances described in reporting remain allegations. Readers should keep those distinctions in mind as further information becomes available.
