Former Black Rock Devs Found New Mobile Games Start-Up

A new development studio has been founded in Brighton, UK, formed by five former staffers from recently closed Split/Second studio Black Rock. West Pier Studio is looking to focus on development of online and mobile titles, with a particular aim for innovative gameplay and creating its own IP. The team will also be looking to put its past experience to use as a hire studio, with over 60 years of experience in the industry between the five of them. "We believe the industry is changing so fast that only those adapted to rapid, agile development for emerging platforms can take full advantage," the team said in a statement. Black Rock was officially closed down earlier this year by parent company Disney Interactive Studios, and a number of indie development companies have since sprung forth from the closure. Roundcube Entertainment was founded by former Black Rock game director Nick Baynes and former senior producer Ian Monaghan, while ShortRound Games was started by former Black Rock game director Andrew Hubbard.