Rebellion to close Derby studio?
Staff being consulted as developer focuses on Oxford and Runcorn locations
Aliens Vs Predator developer Rebellion has said it is reviewing the need for its Derby studio as it continues to grow its offices in Oxford and Runcorn.
CEO Jason Kingsley described the process as "painful", and staff in Derby are currently being consulted about their future. GamesIndustry.biz understands that a number of staff have already been made redundant - although the company denies that posts have yet been cut as that consultation continues.
"Growth is sometimes painful, never more so than in the current climate and we have had to take a long hard look at how we operate our studio network," said Kingsley in a statement. "Strategically we have decided to review the need for the Derby facilities, and consultation with staff at Derby is ongoing."
"No-one has been made redundant by Rebellion in more than a decade, and the Derby studio is very much still open while we conduct the review. We are currently undergoing a process of consultancy with our staff to get their ideas, and establish the best possible future for the Derby studio."
The Derby studio, originally the Core Design team responsible for Eidos' Tomb Raider games, was acquired in 2006. The lease for the building is also coming to an end, and Rebellion has said that it intends to make further announcements on the studio in the coming weeks.
Rebellion's Oxford studio is currently working on Aliens vs Predator for publishing partner SEGA.