Bizarre Creations in the balance

In news that continues to emerge tonight, it appears as if Activision is to close the doors of UK developer Bizarre Creations. Around 200 jobs could be lost in the process.

Bizarre is best known for creating Microsoft’s successful Project Gotham Racing series, though its gaming heritage began far earlier; firstly with its Formula One games on PlayStation and later with Dreamcast hit Metropolis Street Racer – the forbearer of the Gotham brand. Its Xbox Live Arcade hit Geometry Wars remains a firm favourite with many fans.

The subsequent years had been less successful for the firm, with innovative shooter The Club faring well with critics but proving a flop at retail. It has made two titles since joining the Activision camp – PS3 and Xbox 360 racer Blur and recent James Bond outing 007: Blood Stone. Neither sold as expected.

Activision acquired the studio in late 2007.

For the time the publisher has not confirmed the closure, with conflicting reports continuing to emerge. Some claim that staff have already been lost, others that Activision is to put the studio up for sale.

For updates as they happen keep an eye on sister site Develop.