Some 70 staff affected; Publisher to focus on racing games after Bodycount dissapointment
Codemasters is preparing to close its Guildford studio, the publisher has confirmed, affecting as many as 70 jobs.
The stripping of Codemasters Guildford will reduce the publisher’s studio base by a third.
Codemasters said in a statement that it will refocus resources to its Warwickshire and Birmingham studios.
The downsizing operation will affect 66 Guildford studio personnel, who are now placed in a consultation period, Codemasters said.
Vacancies remain open at Codemasters Birmingham and on-campus Warwickshire site.
Codemasters Guildford was most recently responsible for the new FPS Bodycount, which launched this month but failed to make an impact on UK retail charts.
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The game, a new IP, debuted at position 36.
The publisher has suggested it will move away from building FPS games, claiming it will focus resources on its staple franchises DiRT, GRID and F1 Online.
Codemasters said it is also working on a new IP.
“As we look to take greater leadership in the racing category, Codemasters is proposing a studio structure that adds resource and strengthens our best-in-class racing teams,” a spokesperson said.
It's always sad to hear news like this, but this could be a brilliant new start for some of the team and hopefully the rest will be happy to join the Birmingham studio.
Good luck to everyone.
That's what happens when u don't listen to your customers and release shut games. Op flashpoint for example.
I think the consulation is 90 days when it affects 100 or more people.
Racing games are clearly their strength these days. Perhaps a new studio focused solely on partnerships with other developers to improve the driving experience elsewhere would be a sensible venture?
It would certainly lead to improvements in the FPS genre where these mechanics are evidently sub-standard.
My only fear is that they are too reliant on the Ego engine to make this work.
p.s. Grid 2 (PC) asap please and maybe some fun Dizzy HD releases to cheer everyone up.
Sad news but I hope the guys who don't make the move to Codies other studios find new jobs.
Happy to help where I can.
This studio was set up quite a number of years ago when Black finished. Lots of people from Criteion/Lionhead/EA Guildford etc., populated the studio, most jumped ship with bigger job titles and salary (totally unwarranted for many I personally knew). They've not produced anything but Bodycount over 4-5 years (?) so I am not surprised with this decision. The surprise is that Codies kept them going this long. Too bad CoD and BF totally dominates the FPS genre. I think the studio next door is next in line for the chop.
