Layoffs Cut Into Raven Software

[Andy Chalk]

Layoffs Cut Into Raven Software

Singularity developer Raven Software [http://www.ravensoft.com/] has reportedly cut about 40 people from its workforce as it shifts focus from game development to making downloadable content.

It hasn't been a very good day for videogame developers. First we got the news of Singularity [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/104255-Black-Ops-DS-Studio-Down-But-Definitely-Not-Out]. Parent company Activision said, "With the recent completion of Singularity, Raven Software is realigning its workforce to better reflect the studio's upcoming slate."

X-Men Origins: Wolverine [http://kotaku.com/5661071/singularity-game-developer-hit-with-layoffs]; Kotaku said that round of layoffs had reduced Raven from three development teams to two, while the most recent layoffs leave it with just one.

Raven Software was founded in 1990 and quickly established its reputation with classics like Soldier of Fortune [http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Caster-DOS/dp/B0006VVOXU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1286825449&sr=1-1]. The studio was acquired by Activision in 1997.


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[vallorn]

aw. so i wont see a sequal to Singularity?

let me be the first to say:

[HEADING=1]CURSE YOU KOTICK! CURRRSSSEEE YOOOUUUU![/HEADING]

 

[Delock]

The studio was acquired by Activision in 1997.

Just found the reason. Do I win a prize?

Seriously, what is with Activision and layoffs after a good game is produced by one of their studios? (The only explanation I can think of is that they're trying to cut the amount of profits they have to pay to developers for finishing up a good game.)

 

[the_pleasure_is_mine]

Oh wow that really sucks ):

I loved Singularity... it wasn't the best game but it was still damn good :/

I blame Activision mainly because I can...

 

[Dioxide20]

Activision is very good at what it does, killing everything not named Blizzard.

 

[vallorn]

Activision is very good at what it does, killing everything not named Blizzard.

you might almost say that...

Spoiler

Bobby Kotick is the best there is at what he does...

 

[Worgen]

the biggest insult to them is that they are going to be stuck making map packs for cod, if I worked there then I would take this as meaning its time to start a new studio

 

[SelectivelyEvil13]

aw. so i wont see a sequal to Singularity?

Wasn't Singularity supposed to be another Actvision exploitable franchise?

Seriously, they've been relegated to the bench to stroke Treyarch's Call of Duty map editor instead of livening up the Activision lineup? Singularity was by no means perfect and seems to have its share of failings, but I find it rather refreshing with a relatively untapped potential. If only they copied Bioshock a little more where it counts[footnote]A less linear, door-locks-behind-you design in favor of a more open world, more distinct weapons, and maybe even some "vending machines" to spend that E99 tech on.[/footnote]

 

[Onyx Oblivion]

This is sad. I liked Marvel Ultimate Alliance. And the second one two. Not sure if they did the sequel...

 

[Cousin_IT]

Soldier of Fortune was a classic...& 10years ago. Studio today really lacks the product catalogue to justify having 3 dev teams on its payroll.

 

[Best of the 3]

That's a shame. I loved Starwars Jedi Knight 2 Jedi Outcast and Jedi Academy. Cursee you Kotick.

 

[Corohan]

I loved the Soldier of Fortune series.

 

[Darth_Dude]

I love the good old days , back when they made Jedi Academy.

BEST.STAR.WARS.GAME.

EVER.

 

[vallorn]

I love the good old days , back when they made Jedi Academy.

BEST.STAR.WARS.GAME.

EVER.

agreed. i lost many days to that game...

 

[Andy Chalk]

They already laid off about 60 people back at the end of 2009

Raven was previously X-Men Origins: Wolverine [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/94216-Layoffs-Hit-Maxis-and-Raven-Software].

Didn't quite make it to the third paragraph, eh?

 

[RaVeN-05]

Oh no Blame Activision, Raven Software need follow id Software and sell your self to ZeniMax Media that do not kill anything