Sony confirmed today that they’ve decided to close the doors on UK developer Guerrilla Cambridge, after 19 years as a Sony subsidiary. [Thanks, GameIndustry.biz.]
Sony says that the compulsory redundancies are “regrettable,” as the decision to close down the studio comes from a review of all current PlayStation projects and sources after concluding that “in order to deliver on our strategic objectives, it is necessary to make some changes to the European studios structure”.
GameIndustry.biz reports that all employees will be laid off, but Sony has pledged to try reallocating people onto other projects where possible, and they’ll assist staff by speaking to local developers about recruitment prospects. The soon-to-be former Guerrilla Cambridge staff shouldn’t have too much trouble finding new work, as Cambridge is considered a hotbed of UK developers, with the likes of Frontier, Ninja Theory, Jagex, and more nearby.
Here’s more from Sony’s statement:
“Whilst we accept that this decision will mean that we risk losing high calibre staff, by focusing on other Studios with exciting new projects in development, (including continued work on PlayStation VR), we believe we will be in a stronger position going forward and able to offer the best possible content of the highest quality to our players.”
“This decision should not take anything away from the incredible games and services that Guerrilla Cambridge has delivered.”
It was also confirmed in the report that no other studios, including Horizon: Zero Dawn and Killzone series makers Guerrilla Games Amsterdam, have been affected.
Guerrilla Cambridge was originally founded back in July 1997 when Sony Interactive Entertainment acquired Millennium Interactive, based n Cambridge, England. The studio was not only known for its development and creativity, but they also helped local talents at universities find a place in the games industry. The studio, previously known as SCEE Cambridge Studio, has been running for 19 years, and most recently developed RIGS: Mechanized Combat League as a launch title for PlayStation VR. They’ve also worked on titles such as the MediEvil franchise, Primal, Ghosthunter, and Killzone: Mercenary on PS Vita.
