Codemasters To Close Bodycount Studio, Focusing On Racing Titles

Dirt 3 developer Codemasters is shifting its focus solely onto racing games, with the proposed closure of its Guildford studio and expansion of its Warwickshire studio. Codemasters Guildford was responsible for first-person shooter Bodycount, released last month and receiving largely mixed reviews. Codemasters is currently consulting with staff at the facility about the proposal. The company is looking to invest in its racing portfolio by increasing the size of its existing development team at Dirt and Grid studio Warwickshire, while also forming a new team at its Birmingham studio that will assist the F1 2011 team on a new unannounced racing title. Codemasters noted that it will be encouraging current employees at its Guildford site to apply for positions at both the Warwickshire and Birmingham studios. A spokesperson for the company said, "As Codemasters looks to take greater leadership in the racing category, the company is proposing a studio structure that adds resource and strengthens our best-in-class racing teams." "The output from the studios on the Warwickshire campus and in Birmingham is on the increase with multiple continuing game series, brand extensions and new racing IPs in production." "Both the Warwickshire and Birmingham studios have won BAFTAs for their critically acclaimed, multi-million selling titles and the company is adding resource to ensure they constantly over achieve in this competitive sector," it concluded.