Need For Speed Developer Ghost Games Hit by Layoffs

The UK branch of Ghost Games has reportedly been hit by layoffs, resulting in the unannounced Need for Speed title it was focusing on being put on ice.

Eurogamer reports that sources in Guildford revealed late last week that all artists had been let go, though coders were offered jobs on other EA titles. Polygon heard separately that all contractors were let go, while full-timers were offered places working on Visceral's rumoured Battlefield game, with EA issuing a statement to the site which explains it has "entered a consultation period for some positions in our Ghost Games U.K. studio."

As a result of the move, the future of the Need for Speed franchise is now uncertain. Need for Speed: Rivals was developed by Ghost and, following this, the studio was then given control of the franchise from Criterion in the middle of last year. Rumours now suggest any future entries may be handled by the Gothenburg branch of Ghost Games, though this is unconfirmed.

The reports of the layoffs come shortly after Criterion founders Alex Ward and Fiona Sperry announced their plans to leave the studio and EA to set up a new development outfit. We recently spoke to Criterion's new general manager about the studio's plans, when we were told that we should expect a game reveal closer to E3.

Luke Karmali is IGN's UK Junior Editor. You too can revel in mediocrity by following him on Twitter.

Source : feeds[dot]ign[dot]com