Former GRIN Employees Form Outbreak Studios

A number of former GRIN employees have established Outbreak Studios, a new Gothenburg, Sweden-based developer that plans to create games for multiple platforms -- with a focus on online play. Around 25 of those laid off in GRIN's heavy round of staff cuts back in May of this year comprise the inaugural Outbreak team, founded by lead programmer Peter Bjorklund. Bjorklund last worked on Terminator Salvation at GRIN, and he's also credited on titles like EA DICE's Battlefield: Bad Company and Avalanche Studios' Eidos-published Just Cause. "Outbreak Studios believes in having a small number of core employees that are extremely dedicated, focused and deliver high quality," says the studio on its official website. "Most of our associates have worked in the game industry for more than ten years. All of them have worked together for several years." "Our mission is to develop titles for Xbox 360 (XBLA), PS3 (PlayStation Store), Games for Windows Live, PSP Go and iPhone. We also deliver online components for AAA titles, both existing or upcoming." Recent media reports point to troubles at GRIN, no doubt the partial result of weaker-than-expected sales and critical reception to 2009 games like Bionic Commando, Wanted: Weapons of Fate, and Terminator Salvation. Gamasutra sources confirmed yesterday that GRIN has already closed its Barcelona and Gothenburg offices, and that its main Stockholm office is also in jeopardy, with employees apparently on a current work suspension. GRIN has declined to provide comment or clarification on the reports.