Trending Now - Embark Studios Co-founder Leaves Amid Misconduct Allegations

WHO:

Rob Runesson, co-founder and CCO of Embark Studios

Embark Studios, developer of Arc Raiders and The Finals

Balise, a popular streamer of The Finals

Magnus Nordin, Stefan Strandberg, Patrick Söderlund, Jenny Huldschiner, Johan Andersson, co-founders of Embark Studios

WHAT:

Embark Studios "mutually agreed to part ways" with Rob Runesson following allegations of sexual misconduct.

An external legal investigation was conducted by a law firm hired by Embark Studios.

The investigation "did not substantiate" the allegations against Runesson.

The anonymous accuser claimed the female streamer reported discomfort with Runesson's requests for sexual conversations and favors.

WHERE:

Stockholm, Sweden, where Embark Studios is based.

WHEN:

The allegations first arose around February 2026.

The Discord statement from Embark regarding pausing esports efforts was made approximately one month prior to March 18th, 2026.

WHY:

The decision to part ways with Runesson was made due to the "unsustainable" situation following the allegations.

HOW:

Embark Studios took the allegations seriously and hired a law firm to conduct an external investigation.

(UPDATED March 18, 2026 05:31 UTC)

Embark Studios, based in Stockholm, has mutually agreed to part ways with co-founder Rob Runesson following allegations of sexual misconduct that first surfaced in February. An external legal investigation, conducted by a law firm hired by the studio, found that the allegations were not substantiated, although they stemmed from a complaint by a female streamer regarding Runesson's requests for sexual conversations. The decision to let Runesson go was described as necessary due to the "unsustainable" situation created by the allegations.