Sony is closing the Cambridge branch of Guerilla Games and all employees are to be laid off.
According to GameIndustry.biz, Sony has confirmed this shutdown, stating that it is "regrettable". After a review of current PlayStation projects, the decision was made to restructure their European studios.
Guerrilla Games' Amsterdam branch, known for the Killzone series and currently developing Horizon: Zero Dawn will not be affected by these layoffs. PlayStation has promised to "Where possible… try to reallocate people onto other projects" and help other staff relocate to other related positions with local developers. This seems like more than an empty gesture as Cambridge is home to many UK developers such as Frontier, Ninja Theory, Jagex and more.
Further statements were made about the continued efforts this sacrifice had allowed:
"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. "This decision should not take anything away from the incredible games and services that Guerrilla Cambridge has delivered."
Will this change refocus the efforts for PlayStation? Will PlayStation VR take an ever stronger forefront in 2017?
Guerilla Games Cambridge was previously known as SCEE Cambridge Studio and had been running for 19 years. Most recently, they produced the PlayStation VR launch title RIGS: Mechanized Combat League. Past hits include the MediEvil franchise, Primal, Ghosthunter and Killzone Mercenary. They were also heavy advocates of working with local universities to foster new talent for the gaming industry.
