Buzz creator Relentless to close after 13 years

Relentless Software, the developer behind hit PlayStation quiz franchise Buzz, has announced its closure.

The Brighton-based studio opened in 2003 and launched 12 titles in its flagship series, with debut The Music Quiz selling over a million copies and its sequel, The Big Quiz, going on to win a BAFTA. The franchise sold over 10 million units in total.

It moved into self-publishing with Blue Toad Murder Files in 2009 and worked on projects for mobile and Microsoft’s Kinect on Xbox 360, including interactive entertainment app Kinect Nat Geo TV.

The news comes as a particular surprise given Relentless’ opening of a new studio based in Wales in March of this year, creating 70 new jobs. The move came as part of a £0.5 million grant from the Welsh government to secure a partnership with toy maker Hasbro to develop games based on the firm’s products.

Founder Andrew Eades has since confirmed that all employees have been laid off today (August 5th), with the studio subsequently ceasing operation.