UK games developer Blitz Games has been forced to close after 23 years in the business, with the loss of around 175 jobs.
Founded in 1990 by twins Andrew and Philip Oliver, who both previously worked at Codemasters, the studio was one of the longest running in the UK and had notable success with the game Dizzy.
However, in recent years it had relied on licensed games and ports such as Michael Phelps: Push the Limit, Shrek Alarm, SpongeBob’s Surf And Skate Roadtrip and Epic Mickey 2.
‘We have managed to weather numerous storms over the last two decades that have sadly seen the demise of many of our friends and colleagues across the industry, but the run of problems we’ve had to face over the last year is unlike any we’ve seen before. Frustrations with clients, the global economic crisis, and more than our fair share of simple bad luck have all conspired against us and we are no longer able to continue trading,’ read a statement by Blitz Games CEO Philip Oliver.
Although Leamington-based, Blitz Games is closing the Oliver twins will be immediately starting another company that will continue work on two games, allowing them to re-employ around 50 of the 175 jobs lost.
Also, Oxford-based developer Rebellion is in talks with Blitz to potentially hire some of the remaining staff. Meanwhile informal job offers have been made on Twitter following the news being announced this morning, including offers from developers Jaw, Rocksteady and Lionhead Studios.
Founded in 1990 by twins Andrew and Philip Oliver, who both previously worked at Codemasters, the studio was one of the longest running in the UK and had notable success with the game Dizzy.
However, in recent years it had relied on licensed games and ports such as Michael Phelps: Push the Limit, Shrek Alarm, SpongeBob’s Surf And Skate Roadtrip and Epic Mickey 2.
‘We have managed to weather numerous storms over the last two decades that have sadly seen the demise of many of our friends and colleagues across the industry, but the run of problems we’ve had to face over the last year is unlike any we’ve seen before. Frustrations with clients, the global economic crisis, and more than our fair share of simple bad luck have all conspired against us and we are no longer able to continue trading,’ read a statement by Blitz Games CEO Philip Oliver.
Although Leamington-based, Blitz Games is closing the Oliver twins will be immediately starting another company that will continue work on two games, allowing them to re-employ around 50 of the 175 jobs lost.
Also, Oxford-based developer Rebellion is in talks with Blitz to potentially hire some of the remaining staff. Meanwhile informal job offers have been made on Twitter following the news being announced this morning, including offers from developers Jaw, Rocksteady and Lionhead Studios.
MSI MPG Velox 100R Chassis Review
October 14 2021 | 15:04
Want to comment? Please log in.