Visual Science to launch legal action against Vivendi

Following the announcement that Scottish developer Visual Science has gone into administration, MD Tim Christian has told GamesIndustry.biz that there are now plans to launch legal action against Vivendi.

"We had a major contract with Vivendi Universal Games which was terminated a couple of weeks ago, and we have been unable to find replacement work in that period," Christian said.

"Given that, and given that it looked increasingly unlikely that we'd be able to meet our liabilities, we've had to put the company into administration."

"What the administration process means is that we can seek protection from our creditors, and then we can use the cash that we have remaining to develop a legal fight against VUG because we believe that they have terminated the contract without grounds."

Christian added that he was already in talks with lawyers regarding the proposed legal action.

Around 100 staff have been made redundant as a result of the closure, rumours of which began to emerge last month. Christian recently told GamesIndustry.biz that Visual Science was actively pitching for new projects - but it's now clear that any last ditch attempts to save the company have failed.

Visual Science, based in Dundee, was established in 1993 by Lemmings creator Russell Kay. Christian acquired a controlling stake in the company in January 2005 after a two year stint as non-executive chairman, taking on the role of CEO. Visual Science's back catalogue includes Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup and Medal of Honor: Rising Sun, both of which were developed for Electronic Arts.

Vivendi Universal Games declined to offer comment.