Disney confirms layoffs at Split/Second dev Black Rock

Last night, word came in that around 40 jobs were in danger at Split/Second developer Black Rock Studio. Disney issued a statement to Eurogamer confirming cuts at the company, though not a number: "Disney Interactive Studios confirms a reduction of its workforce from its Brighton-based internal game development studio, Black Rock Studios," a representative said. " The studio will continue its work on its current project."

While Disney didn't offer an official number, Eurogamer's tipster clarified that it wasn't 40 jobs that were in danger, it was 40 jobs that weren't. According to the anonymous source, "Around 100 jobs are at risk."

Black Rock survived the layoffs that came from Disney's "restructuring" in late January. At that time, studio head Tony Beckwith told Joystiq the studio was "fine."

Reader Comments (15)

i really hope split/second 2 makes it out alive from this mess.

"Good job guys... clean out your desks."

its funny that these days the really good games that are must buys mainly come from independent studios. Most of these major publisher owned studios seem to have a life span of 3-4 yrs max

@Tradio
It's beginning to remind me of ISP/dot coms of the late 90s/early 2000s. Get a start-up going, put out a hit product, get a big publisher backing. Sell the company off for profit. Start up another. Not a bad business model until you eventually decide to remake or sequel an IP.

Best of luck to those that got laid off...

Thank you to those who made Split/Second such an awesome game. I hope for the best for you.

Hope they programmed in some rubberbanding for their jobs. Sorry, I know that's terrible but I really hated the fun killing rubberbanding in Split/Second. Seriously, I wish the Blackrock folks all the best.

Split/Second was/is awesome. Most fun I've had with a racing game in years and now this BS. Why doesn't another studio who does sloppy work get dismantled?

This decision doesn't make much sense to me. Both Split/Second and Pure are two of the better racing games that I've played. The approach by Black Rock Studio to develop titles that are captivating and just simply fun to play makes me a fan. While other racing titles seem to focus too much on just visuals and features such as unlockables and modifications, this group gets it right by focusing on the most important thing, gameplay. Sure, there are gripes about rubberbanding in Split/Second, but I've found those instances minimal and the game overall is great. It's a shame that this is happening to the studio and I'm with the rest of you who hope a second Split/Second game sees the light of day. Hopefully it is as fun and successful as the first. With a limited amount of resources after layoffs it could be interesting. Good luck to those laid off!

@mpa25 the key to the game was to not be super aggressive the first lap or so. thats when the AI really started rubber banding. if you were a good racer with skill, you can get 1st fairly easily unleashing the devastation the 3rd lap. i have the platinum in split/second and had a blast getting it.

@8bitartist

I totally agree that the rubberbanding isn't much of a factor if you approach the races the correct way. I was just bringing it up because bioadam mentioned it two posts before mine and I recall seeing quite a few posts complaining about it in the past, even though it isn't really warranted. Split/Second has a lot of entertainment value and I can't think of too many other racing games that compare to it.

@TheMCFacemanBandcampcom

I don't know, $17 on Amazon seems fairly uber cheap to me. Pick it up if you have the funds. You won't regret the decision.

I hate Disney so much when they come to games.
Theyv been laying off people and canceling projects left and right.

Like Turok 2, yeah ok Turok 1 was no masterpiece but a sequel could have fixed and improved upon what was there.

To me Disney just treats it's game devs like crap

@Jawmuncher
wtf? there's already a turok 2 and 3...and 4.....turok 2 was the best in the series it was called turok2:seeds of evil...

I am disappointed in Disney. that is all i have to say.

Split/Second

Disney confirms layoffs at Split/Second dev Black Rock

Reader Comments (15)

Posted: May 5th 2011 11:36AM 8bitartist said

Posted: May 5th 2011 11:38AM Ignatius said

Posted: May 5th 2011 11:40AM Tradio said

Posted: May 5th 2011 11:51AM foxhound said

Posted: May 5th 2011 11:57AM McTwist said

Posted: May 5th 2011 12:02PM ObiBen8 said

Posted: May 5th 2011 12:33PM bioadam said

Posted: May 5th 2011 12:39PM Johnny Neat said

Posted: May 5th 2011 1:47PM mpa25 said

Posted: May 5th 2011 6:43PM 8bitartist said

Posted: May 5th 2011 10:57PM mpa25 said

Posted: May 5th 2011 1:51PM mpa25 said

Posted: May 5th 2011 3:54PM Jawmuncher said

Posted: May 5th 2011 5:52PM darkfocus said

Posted: May 5th 2011 6:08PM (Unverified) said

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