Activision to restructure FreeStyleGames

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The Guitar Hero developer will remain open, despite layoffs, and continue to support Guitar Hero Live.

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by Chris Brand

@pass_controller

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The news comes following a consultation period which is mandatory under UK law when a company of a certain size faces redundancies.

Activision chose not to disclose the number of layoffs, but did release a statement concerning the future of FreeStyleGames and its staff:

"Activision and FreeStyleGames leadership have been considering a range of future options for the studio, and have been consulting with staff to explore all alternatives. The collective team have now reached the end of a consultation exercise and the decision has been made to restructure FreeStyleGames to better align the studio resources with future business needs.”

Activision has stated that it has no plans to release another Guitar Hero title during this generation of consoles, but reaffirmed their commitment to the UK market and FreeStyleGames:

“We are working with the studio teams to explore options to rebalance staff within Activision Blizzard and its related organisations. The UK remains a key market for Activision Blizzard and FreeStyleGames continues to be a great partner. We thank all of the team for their continued passion, creativity and commitment."

This isn't the first UK developer to be hit by restructuring; last month Microsoft announced plans to close Lionhead Studios and Sony shuttered its Evolution Studios.

Is this a bad omen for UK devs? Let us know your thoughts in the forums.

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