Black Rock Studios, developers of the awesome Pure and Split Second are shutting up shop.
“Disney Interactive Studios confirms that Black Rock Studios’ current project has not been greenlit for further development, consequently the company informed employees yesterday of the intent to enter a consultation process on the proposal to close the studios,”
wrote Disney in a statement offered to Eurogamer.
After suffering lay-offs earlier this year the studio is now facing closure. Disney bought the studio back in 2006 with a view to become a world leading games developer. After a change in management and direction, Disney is now focussing on the casual market.
Split Second was a back to basics arcade inspired racer with lots of speed and destruction. We’re huge fans of the game here and were looking forward to the hinted at sequel. Despite being critically well received it failed to sell either due to bad marketing or going up against Blur causing confusion in the marketplace.
Either way it’s a sad loss for British studios and racing fans the world over. We can only hope these guys can stick together to form a new studio and carry on doing what they do best. Making fun and exhilarating racing games.