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Technology news and Jobs arrow Technology Deals arrow Activision acquires Bizarre Creations
Activision acquires Bizarre Creations PDF Print E-mail
Written by Stephen Withers   
Thursday, 27 September 2007
The consolidation of game studios continues with Activision's acquisition of Bizarre Creations, the company behind the Project Gotham Racing and Geometry Wars franchises.

"Bizarre Creations is the leading independent developer with a proven track record in developing highly successful and influential original properties, especially in the racing field. They are one of the most innovative and creative studios in the industry, and we are very excited to welcome this talented creative team to Activision," said said Robert Kotick, chairman and CEO of Activision.

Although UK-based Bizarre will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision, it will continue to enjoy considerable autonomy. There will be no redundancies among the 160-strong Bizarre team, even among management ranks.

"Our goal at Bizarre Creations has always been to do all we can to nurture our creative and passionate teams, who excel at and enjoy what they do. Activision's independent studio model will continue giving us creative freedom to build exciting new brands," said Martyn Chudley, managing director of Bizarre. "Their financial support and marketing prowess will also enable us to build upon the commercial success that we currently enjoy, and take the company - and our games - to an even higher level."

No financial details were disclosed.

The announcement comes as Bizarre has completed Project Gotham Racing 4 for Xbox 360, and is finishing work on The Club, a third-person shooter for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

"[T]he most dangerous time for any independent is the period in between projects," observed Bizarre officials.

Work is about to begin on a racing game and a character game. Activision stated that expects its first game from Bizarre will be released "after fiscal year 2009."

This is the second acquisition of a major UK game developer in a week. Sony Computer Entertainment recently acquired Evolution Studios and its subsidiary Bigbig Studios.



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