Ex-Bizarre team have clear vision for Lucid

A NEW gaming business has been launched in Liverpool by a group of designers who lost their jobs when Bizarre Creations was closed by its parent Activision.

Around 200 people were made redundant earlier this month when US-based Activision decided to shut the studio, citing economic factors affecting the games market.

The team, led by Pete Wallace, have set up Lucid Games which they say could employ up to 50 staff.

Mr Wallace said: “With the great history of Bizarre behind us, we are proud to be part of Lucid and are committed to the UK game development community. We plan to build a studio which encourages open communication with its partners, customers and other developers.”

The studio is now talking to several publishers regarding potential projects. It has been supported by Liverpool’s economic development company, Liverpool Vision, which is eager to retain gaming talent.

Steve Smith, digital industry director at Liverpool Vision, said: “This world class talent combined with a very credible and experienced management team, we believe offers the best future for a sustainable and viable business within the significant Liverpool gaming sector.”

“It should be stressed that Bizarre was very successful and Activision’s actions were driven by global economics and not by any failure of the creative talent based in Liverpool.”

Bizarre was acquired by Activision in 2007 for around £40m. It is best known for its work on the Project Gotham series for Microsoft but also worked on the racing game Blur and a new James Bond game.

In the year to December 2009 sales topped £12.6m and it made a pre-tax profit of £1.1m.