Rebellion Restructuring, Derby Staff 'Being Consulted' On Studio Future

Oxford, UK-headquartered independent developer Rebellion is not presently closing its Derby satellite office, contrary to earlier media reports -- but it is undergoing a restructuring. Rebellion told media outlets like VG247 in a statement that the Derby office, which recently worked on Rogue Warrior for Bethesda, is coming to the end of its lease and "staff are being consulted on its future." The studio describes a corporate restructuring that will leverage the facility expansions in Oxford and Runcorn, suggesting Rebellion could move some or all of the Derby staff there at some point rather than implement layoffs -- but a separate statement from CEO and creative director Jason Kingsley warns of "painful" steps in the company's growth. "We are very excited about the expansion of our Oxford offices, the home of Aliens vs. Predator," adds creative director and CEO Jason Kingsley. "Recruitment is ongoing both in Oxford and in Runcorn." "However, growth is sometimes painful, never more so than in the current climate and we have had to take a long, hard look at how we operate our studio network," he warns. "Strategically we have decided to review the need for the Derby facilities, and consultation with staff at Derby is ongoing." Rebellion Derby was formerly Eidos-owned Core Design, developer of the original Tomb Raider game. Rebellion purchased the studio, its staff and assets -- except its IP -- from Eidos parent SCi back in 2006.