Two Midway studios facing possible closure in two weeks

by Griffin McElroy { Jun 16th 2009 at 3:10PM }

If you've got an extra few million bucks lying around, we can think of a couple of video game development studios that could really use it. According to a recent report from Guardian.uk, Midway's Newcastle and San Diego studios are facing closure if they can't find buyers by the end of June. For those whose extended WoW sessions have left them chronologically unaware, that's just two weeks from today.

The Guardian's article focuses on the Newcastle studio -- creators of the recently released Diesel-fest Wheelman -- which is trying to stave off death by finding investors for its unannounced open-world action game. We're far from financial experts, but perhaps keeping said project under wraps isn't the best way to attract suitors in such a brief timeframe. Just, you know, a suggestion.

[Via CVG]

Tags: bankruptcy, closure, economy, midway, midway-newcastle, midway-san-diego, recession

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

BigFat @ Jun 16th 2009 3:33PM

if i was Midway's owner i would be spamming the world with Mortal Kombats.

about the only money maker they still have.

Mazrael @ Jun 16th 2009 3:43PM

Mortal Kombat peaked at MK2.. been downhill ever since..

to add... I thought Midway were already sunk

DKiller79 @ Jun 16th 2009 3:51PM

The picture says it aii Newcastle closing & San Diego let me know when Mortal Kombat is 1k value then i'll buy it lol

steve.bowler @ Jun 16th 2009 4:04PM

Uh...it isn't under wraps.

http://www.necessaryforcegame.com/

WarLord @ Jun 16th 2009 5:23PM

should I feeel bad about not buying MK vs. DC for killzone 2.

MXCContestant @ Jun 16th 2009 5:47PM

The games were months away from each other, you could have recouped your investment by then if you were ever seriously going to buy it to begin with....

Warlord @ Jun 17th 2009 9:20AM

yea im way behind on my gaming list thnx to MetalGS i never played the series and i ordered the essentials collection now im on #2 but #1 was still to this day amazing mgs4 is on the way right now.I also have Dead Space on hold til I beat all 4.

MXCContestant @ Jun 16th 2009 5:41PM

Please, don't insult Kotaku by comparing them to this garbage site, at least Kotaku shows professionalism when dealing with peoples livelihood.

I wonder how these guys will feel when they are in a similar situation, I know I for one will ridicule them like they are others.

Good luck Midway people, wishing you all the best!

MXCContestant @ Jun 16th 2009 5:49PM

haha, great "journalism" from Joystiq,

To the author: I really hope you aren't paid for this.... Maybe I should write for Joystiq, I have a junior high diploma which seems to be enough, can I also call myself a "journalist" for nothing?

MXCContestant @ Jun 16th 2009 5:50PM

Damn, this was a reply to Steve regarding the game link.

goldeneyesoldier ( noble prophet of rant and ownage ) @ Jun 16th 2009 5:50PM

^ Then why waste time on a garbage site? -_-

MXCContestant @ Jun 16th 2009 5:59PM

This is obviously the last time, I said what many were thinking, going back to Kotaku now, I thought Joystiq could be a nice replacement...

Shingo_E_X @ Jun 16th 2009 6:32PM

"which is trying to stave off death by finding investors for its unannounced open-world action game."

You mean "Necessary Force"? It's been announced, btw...

http://kotaku.com/5292787/wheelman-devs-unveil-necessary-force-seek-buyer

ill trooper @ Jun 16th 2009 6:36PM

Wow... I have a friend that used to work at the Midway San Diego studios, back in the early nineties. Back then he was telling me that after one of the E3s, Midway had targeted Capcom as a company to best - they really thought they were on track to do just that.

So hearing that the San Diego studio is closing is really telling me how much the times have changed for Midway.

Bummer!

And to MSCContestant... Stop throwing a panic, take a rest. Posting like 20 comments in under a minute can wear someone out!