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Activision Evaluating Future Of UK Studio Behind Call Of Duty: Strike Team
Activision is currently in the process of reassessing its relationship with UK studio Blast Furnace. The Leeds UK studio is behind 2013’s mobile Call of Duty title, Strike Team.
"Like any successful business, Activision Publishing continuously works to evolve its business based on our strategic plans and market opportunities,” a representative told Game Informer via email. “As we focus on our 2014 operating plan, we are aligning our resources against our anticipated business requirements. As part of this review, we have started a consultation at Blast Furnace based in Leeds in the UK.”
Activision is currently investigating a number of options, which could include closing the studio, downsizing it, or helping it along the way to independence. The publisher will be taking time to evaluate the situation before taking action.
“Blast Furnace is a very talented studio and has been a great partner to Activision,” the company representative writes. “As part of this consultation exercise we are exploring all our options regarding the studio."
Blast Furnace was founded in 2011. Among its credits are mobile titles based on Pitfall and the game show Wipeout.
[Source: MCV]
Our Take
Call of Duty: Strike Force didn’t live up to the critical reception of the PC and console titles. It’s unfortunate that the 47 employees are in peril of losing their jobs, and we are hopeful that the resolution will be independence or, if not that, downsizing that preserves some jobs.
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