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Eidos Closes Rockpool Mobile Gaming Studio

UK publisher Eidos has closed Rockpool Games in Manchester, England, making redundant 14 staff at the mobile gaming studio. The company says it's trying to "focus our efforts on high-quality titles that will deliver long-term franchise value".

David Jenkins, Blogger

January 23, 2009

1 Min Read
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UK publisher Eidos Interactive has closed Rockpool Games in Manchester, England with 14 staff being made redundant at the mobile gaming studio. Eidos acquired wireless developer Rockpool Games and sister companies Ironstone Partners and SoGoPlay in February 2007, bringing them into its New Media division. Rockpool was already well known for producing mobile phone games based on existing franchises such as Worms and MotoGP. Eidos hasn't directly confirmed the fate of licensing company Ironstone and casual games portal SoGoPlay, but the loss of only 14 staff may suggest that some employees may have been retained by the company in some capacity. "As a company we need to focus our efforts on high-quality titles that will deliver long-term franchise value, and in these incredibly challenging and competitive times we need to pro-actively manage our cost base," said the company as it confirmed the closure to UK website GamesIndustry.biz. "This decision was a difficult one to make and we would like to thank these employees for their hard work and we wish them well in their future careers,” continued the statement. Eidos’ current problems have been well-documented, with the publisher currently in new talks regarding a complete buyout of the business. The company recently hat to admit disappointing sales for key Christmas title Tomb Raider: Underworld -- which led to the shedding of 30 staff from developer Crystal Dynamics.

About the Author

David Jenkins

Blogger

David Jenkins ([email protected]) is a freelance writer and journalist working in the UK. As well as being a regular news contributor to Gamasutra.com, he also writes for newsstand magazines Cube, Games TM and Edge, in addition to working for companies including BBC Worldwide, Disney, Amazon and Telewest.

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