Handful of firms declare interest in the Liverpool-based Blur studio, sources tell Develop
Staff at renowned Liverpool studio Bizarre Creations have spoken of a twenty-four-hour emotional rollercoaster as, as of this evening, it has emerged that several companies have shown interest in buying the Blur developer.
Last night Activision put Bizarre Creations up for sale – in a move that put the job security of 200 developers at serious risk.
This morning, one source from inside the studio told Develop that job cuts were highly likely.
That was the mood at the company until this afternoon, when studio management (and possibly Activision execs) held a second major meeting with staff.
“That meeting really lifted the mood here, I think, because we’ve been told that there’s multiple parties interested in buying us,” the anonymous source said.
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“We are still on consultation for ninety days,” he added, “but things look much better than they did last night or this morning.”
“Things here are changing at such a quick pace.”
The source declined to name the interested parties, because – by his own admission – he doesn’t want to take risks by naming companies that seem eager to step in and save the studio.
Earlier today, in a separate conversation, a source at the studio was understood that Microsoft was already showing an interest in the company.
“Microsoft aren’t stupid,” he said, “they know we’re talented and have spoken to Activision about us.”
It is unclear, for now, whether Microsoft’s interest in the studio extends beyond hiring staff.
Must be testing times up there, but glad to hear their could be something better on the horizon. Good luck, all involved.
Arrrgh... what a typo.
I know of at least TWO publishers who are VERY interested in buying them.
Let's hope the leeches that are recruiters don't try to tempt people out and so ruin the possibility of a takeover by having key staff leave.
dont be a dick about recruiters, perhaps point the finger at this f**king government and tax issues and the fact nobody wants to develop games in the UK anymore because of the cost involved. its drying up and going to canada
Nice comment about recruiters. We provide a service - just like the lawyers, localisation agencies, marketing agencies etc that serve the games industry. Specifically - we've also served the games industry for over 20 years - we support many trade bodies and are active members of GameAid. So don't tar everybody with the "leeches" brush. Also - it's worth pointing out that we've already been told by several large UK developers that their internal HR teams are already targetting Bizarre staff directly. So we've been told not to send CV's...So we're not one of the "sharks" circling. I'd also just like to say good luck to anybody affected - I personally hope one of the big boys comes in and takes Bizarre on, lock stock and barrel, and invests in a UK studio.
Ian, this may be a little off-topic, but I am curious, why is it seemingly so hard to get a job in the industry as an outsider, yet the HR and recruitment staff more than happy to keep people in employment (as long as they are not contractors)?
Is this the right message that should be getting sent out to current students at uni, studying so that they can persue a career in the industry in futute?
