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Neversoft Sets Fire To Iconic Logo As Studio Merges With Infinity Ward
After years of success with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, Spider-Man on PlayStation 1, and Guitar Hero, Neversoft has closed its doors. Unlike many stories of studio closures, this one has a silver lining.
Neversoft’s merger with Infinity Ward was revealed back in May, creating a “super-studio.” Neversoft played a role in the development of 2013’s Call of Duty: Ghosts, giving them a head-start on the integration.
To commemorate the end of Neversoft, the studio set fire to the iconic skewered eyeball logo.
Tonight we ride! #neversoft pic.twitter.com/qKnowRiiiL
— Neversoft (@neversoft) July 10, 2014
Additionally, employees received a parting gift in the form of a bowie knife with the studio name engraved.
This is what Joel gave all of @neversoft on their last day of the studio today. (Yoinked Mike's pic from FB) pic.twitter.com/LveyTOTYbH
— Stephanie Bayer (@NSSteph) July 10, 2014
Neversoft was founded in 1994, releasing Skeleton Warriors (a licensed game based on a cartoon) on PlayStation and Sega Saturn. Following the success (and eventual decline) of the Tony Hawk series, Neversoft moved onto Guitar Hero before that franchise, too, was shelved. Neversoft is one of only a few studios that can boast multiple console launch titles, with both Gun and Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland releasing on the Xbox 360’s first day.
For more on Neversoft, check out our look back at the studio's storied history.
[Source: Neversoft on Twitter, Stephanie Bayer on Twitter via Develop]
Our Take
It’s a shame that Neversoft’s studio culture, with Joel Jewett still leading the charge until the last day, is no more. However, Activision’s move to integrate Neversoft into Infinity Ward will preserve jobs and the expertise of those individuals who have been part of Activision’s larger family for two decades.
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