Eutechnyx Considers Dundee-Based Studio

Following widespread layoffs and financial turmoil at Dundee, Scotland-based APB developer Realtime Worlds, independent studio Eutechnyx said it is considering founding a Dundee studio that could help pick up newly-unemployed locals. "We have been considering a studio in Scotland for some time, having worked with developers based there for a number of years," said Darren Jobling, COO of Gateshead, UK-based Eutechnyx. "By forming a studio in Dundee, developers who wish to remain in the area can do so, and have the opportunity to become part of a new chapter in Eutechnyx' future." Realtime Worlds said last week it was entering administration, after a commercially unsuccessful launch of the online subscription-based action game APB. The company, founded in 2002, is reportedly around $3 million ($4.7 million) in debt after raising about $100 million from investors in total over several years. Realtime also developed 2007's Crackdown for Xbox 360 and was working on the social game MyWorld, whose development has been saved for the time being. Following its entry into administration, Realtime had shed 157 jobs. Eutechnyx's consideration of a Dundee studio comes a few months after the company, best known for racing games like Test Drive Le Mans, Big Mutha Truckers and SuperCar Challenge, received a $6 million ($9.25 million) cash injection from Dutch VC firm Prime Technology Ventures. The company is currently working on Auto Club Revolution, a car-centric MMO for PC. Other game makers have swooped in for Dundee talent following Realtime's troubles, with Activision, Blitz Games and The Creative Assembly holding recruiting events in the area. Aside from the Gateshead headquarters, Eutechnyx also has studios in Chengdu and Hong Kong, China and Pittsburgh, USA. The company's website says it currently employs over 180 employees and more than 250 subcontractors.