Crytek metabolizes Free Radical
PC first-person-shooter developer acquires the remnants of studio behind TimeSplitters and Haze, redubs it Crytek UK.
The fate of the studio behind Haze is finally clearing up. German developer Crytek announced today that it has acquired all remaining assets and business of Free Radical Design, which was placed into administration in December after sweeping layoffs. At the time, it had reportedly been working on Star Wars: Battlefront III, now rumored to be at Rebellion.
"The combination of this team, the Crytek network, and our CryEngine technology will be a foundation for outstanding gaming experiences and a magnet for the best talent in the UK," said Crytek managing director Avni Yerli in a statement. Crytek has said that it will integrate Free Radical into its own network (which includes studios in Ukraine, Hungary, Bulgaria, and South Korea), turning the outfit into Crytek UK.
In addition to Haze, UK-based Free Radical is best known for its work on the cult-favored franchise TimeSplitters. The studio had been prepping the fourth installment of the first-person shooter series for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii before its collapse. Crytek is also an FPS specialist, and its two most famous games--Crysis and Far Cry--have been solely for the PC. (After acquiring the Far Cry license, Ubisoft brought the series to the 360, PS3, and Wii.)
Last April, though, Crytek director and founder Cevat Yerli declared that the Electronic Arts-allied developer would develop future projects for multiple platforms. The company has already shown behind-closed-doors demonstrations of its CryEngine2 running on both the 360 and PS3.
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