Farewell video for Bizarre Creations
UK developer Bizarre Creations was officially closed on Friday, after 17 years and games including Metropolis Street Racer, Project Gotham Racing 1-4 and Blur.
It was original put up for sale by owners Activision, but no deal was forthcoming and the decision was made to close the studio on February 18th, 2011.
Bizarre’s video editor, Eamon Urtone released this emotional video tribute to the company…
Farewell Bizarre…it’s been an absolute pleasure! from Eamon Urtone on Vimeo.
Bizarre Creations set to close
It looks as if Liverpool-based developer Bizarre Creations will close, following a recommendation of closure by owners Activision. It was announced in November that Activision were looking to part company with Bizarre, and immediately there were reports of multiple parties interested in buying the company, which developed the racing games Blur, Metropolis Street Racer, and the Project Gotham Racing series.
However, although the consultation period is still ongoing, Activision has issued a recommendation for studio closure, affecting around 200 staff, and meaning that the chances of the company surviving are extremely slim. The threat to the studio followed the release of Blur, which achieved disapointing sales figures.
Coincidentally, our sister site FPS Prestige recently followed reports Activision could pull out of the UK entirely, following the decision of the UK Government to scrap tax breaks for the games industry. Given that the tax breaks were promised until the 2010 Budget, which took place in June 2010, the fact that Activision decided to divest itself of Bizarre 4 months later might not be unrelated.
Activision ditching Bizarre Creations (PGR and Blur)
It’s been revealed that games publishing company Activision is ditching Project Gotham Racing and Blur developers Bizarre Creations, either by sale or closure.
Multiple sources have reported closure for the Liverpool-based developer, with 200 staff at risk. It was acquired by Activision in 2007, and has since released Blur along with non-racing games including the recent James Bond title Blood Stone.
Prior to acquisition, Bizarre gained fame for both the Project Gotham Racing franchise, which was a key Xbox and Xbox 360 title, and the minigame spawned from PGR – Geometry Wars.
