Split/Second Developer Black Rock Closes

Pure and Split/Second developer Black Rock Studio was officially closed down today by parent company Disney Interactive Studios. Disney confirmed earlier this summer that the Brighton, UK-based studio's latest project had not been greenlit, and that the company's employees had been informed that the studio would be closed. Nick Baynes, former game director at Black Rock, has now confirmed via Twitter that the studio fully closed down today. "@blackrockster officially closes its doors today," he said. "Thoughts go out to all facing their last day. A bright future awaits all though I'm sure!" Since the Black Rock layoffs, a couple of new studios have formed from the ex-employees. Nick Baynes founded Roundcube Entertainment along with former Black Rock senior producer Ian Monaghan, and is focusing on creating social games. Another studio, smartphone-focused ShortRound Games, consists of Black Rock game director Andrew Hubbard, technical director Kim Burrows, technical art director Stuart Pharoah and creative and art director Steve Uphill.