I think the important point to note here is that no decision has been taken on whether the studio wil close or remain open - so "Razorworks to close" is slightly misleading.

Well if this does happen, all I can say is that I am very sorry for all my friends who work there (I only just left and moved to another company 2 months ago).
The people there are all very talented. Hopefully someone will buy them and give them a chance to shine. They certainly have the skills there to develop something great, they just need to be given enough free reign to do so.

Hi Fran,

Thanks for your comment. The reason for the 'statement' is that, prior to the article going live, I spoke to a staff member who said that while they didn't want to provide any sort of official comment, that what we had suggested to them - that the studio would close - was true.

As such, we stand by the statement. Of course, we hope for everyone employed there that the studio will indeed manage to stay open via a sale or some other method - it's a situation where we'll be happy to be proved 'wrong'!

Hey Ed

Your very first paragraph states that the studio will either be sold or closed - so even there you know it's not a certainty it'll be closed. Having spoken to someone who I suspect is a lot mre senior than whoever answered the phone, I can tell you now they're very hopeful they'll be saved. Obviously though, it's now a very difficult time for them and the headline doesn't really help - surey you can change it to reflect that closure isn't a certainty. "Empire to dispose of Razorworks" would be a better option.

Let me know if you want me to write any more headlines for you:)

On a serious note, if you're serious about hoping you're proved wrong, why not offer to do a write up on them for the Develop website? Let people know more about who they are, what they're about and some of the very exciting stuff they've got planned. They've never really had any serious publicity in the media, not since the days of Enemy Engaged anyway (dynamic campaign, anyone?). Who knows, an increase in publicity right now might even persuade a potential buyer to invest in them - they're all set for some new Wii titles, they've got all their dev kits etc all set up and the prototyping team running. go on, do your bit for small studios:) They're a fantastic bunch of people - hope they sort something out.

No offence Fran but your interest in Razor probably has nothing to do with the fact that you recruit for them?

I wonder without the potential loss of commission would you really give a crap about them.

As a gamer I wish Razorworks the best and hope this hasn’t thrown them too far off road! (keep fighting guys!)

Thank you all for your encouraging thoughts. Razorworks is indeed a great place to work at, and a wonderful bunch of talented individuals to work with.

We are all hoping for the best. Kind regards

@5: Spoken like a "gamer".

Regardless of what you may think, this industry sticks together, nobody likes to see a company go down and people lose jobs. Yes Fran possibly recruits for them but you might also find that he has already recruited some of those people who now may be about to lose their jobs.

If you think that putting people into a company that then closes, raises concerns based on commision loss, then you clearly do not understand how this industry works.

I suggest therefore, that you stick to the "gamers" sites and leave the industry sites to those actually "in" the industry.

I hope Razorwerks can pull something off because I know all too well, being part of a company under this kind of pressure is not fun... and not what stimulates the creativity required to make great games.

Good luck guys.

@7

"clearly do not understand how this industry works"

Sorry my bad, I thaught the industry works because it makes money! What the hell do I know I'm a gamer!

Good to read some positive comments. Is there anyone out there with £££££'s to invest in an excellent small company? Pay attention those of you who can only make negative comments - You clearly have no idea of the facts - you should be supporting the smaller games companies.
Good luck Razorworks!!

LeeC and l4zyB - play nice, now!
Gamer or trade, both of you actually seem to hope for the best in the situation - so focus on that, not whether you're industry or not! :)

I'd ban all games recruitments agents from having a say on this site. They are all blood sucking parasites, who offer as much value to the industry as cancer to the human body.

I wouldn't say it if i couldn't back it up! It is always best to source staff through the network of folks who have worked together in the past rather than doing business with recruiment agents.

Use them for market intelligence, but don't do any business with them. These people won't improve your chances of hiring the right people and they are just not worth the money.

I'd ban all idiots personally, but you can't always get what you want, eh?

Zing!

Sorry to hear about this. If it may help, we are looking for some help on a Wii project already in development. Please pass this on to anyone at Razorworks who might be interested. www.koolhausgames.com.