Disney to close Black Rock Studios

Disney Interactive has announced intentions to shut down Black Rock Studios, the developer behind 2010’s Split/Second. In May, more than 100 staff were layed off. Though, a studio source said a “good proportion” of the team were still employed and working on a “promising title.”

Apparently not. A Eurogamer source said today that Disney will completely close the Brighton-based developer. Disney handled the developer clumsily, said the source.

An official statement from Disney reads: “Disney Interactive Studios confirms that Black Rock Studios’ current project has not been greenlit for further development, consequently the company informed employees yesterday of the intent to enter a consultation process on the proposal to close the studios.”

Two new studios are formed in the developer’s wake. Split/Second director Nick Baynes formed Roundcube Entertainment, and a group of department directors have formed ShortRound Games.