Guerrilla Games Cambridge is to close down, following Evolution Studios as the latest high profile Sony-owned British studio to shut its doors in recent months. It seems as though a majority of employees will be made redundant, but Sony will try to keep a few people around, allocating them to other projects at different studios where possible. The decision was explained via the following statement:
Within SIE Worldwide Studios, we have a regular process of review in order to consider projects coming to completion and the deployment of resources. In such a competitive landscape this enables us to continue to create and produce high-quality, innovative and commercially viable projects.
Having reviewed and assessed all current projects and plans for the short and medium term, we have decided that in order to deliver on our strategic objectives, it is necessary to make some changes to the European studios structure.
As a result, it has been decided that Guerrilla Cambridge Studio will close.
It is regrettable that this decision will lead to compulsory redundancies. Whilst we accept that this decision will mean that we risk losing high calibre staff, by focusing on other Studios with exciting new projects in development, (including continued work on PlayStation®VR), we believe we will be in a stronger position going forward and able to offer the best possible content of the highest quality to our players.
We undertake where possible to try to reallocate people onto other projects and should appropriate opportunities not exist within the company, then we will assist staff in any way we can, including speaking with local employers and other Development companies.
Guerrilla Cambridge, (and formerly Sony Cambridge Studio), has been an important part of SIE Worldwide Studios for over 19 years - working on ground-breaking titles like the MediEvil franchise, Primal, Ghosthunter, as well as more recently KillZone Mercenary and RIGS: Mechanized Combat League.
This decision should not take anything away from the incredible games and services that Guerrilla Cambridge has delivered.
Guerrilla Games Amsterdam will not be impacted.
The Amsterdam branch of Guerrilla is currently working on Horizon: Zero Dawn, which is set to land on PlayStation 4 on March 1. The final game made by Guerrilla Cambridge was PSVR launch title, RIGS: Mechanized Combat League.
We wish all those affected by this closure a speedy return to work.