Develop source: 50 staff cut at Vicarious Visions

by Richard Mitchell on Feb 10th 2011 3:00PM

News from Activision's music game shake-up continues to trickle out, with Develop now reporting that Vicarious Visions is among the studios targeted for cutbacks. According to Develop's source, the studio has escaped complete closure, though it has been hit with "around fifty" layoffs, which the source notes is "easily a quarter of studio staff." The report adds that those laid off should receive assistance from Activision in the form of counseling and job placement services.

Over the last several years, Vicarious Visions has been known primarily for developing licensed games as well as the Wii and DS versions of Tony Hawk and Guitar Hero titles. In fact, Develop reports that the studio was actually working on a new Guitar Hero when it received the news.

The layoffs come as part of a company wide plan to reduce the workforce by 500 positions. Elsewhere within the company, 7 Studios has reportedly been shut down entirely, while DJ Hero developer FreeStyleGames is "actively working with Activision on various options going forward."

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[PS3, X360, PC] Kojima Productions Hiring 'Next Gen Metal Gear Solid' Staff

[PS3, X360, PC] Kojima Productions Hiring 'Next Gen Metal Gear Solid' Staff
With Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker well and truly finished with, and Metal Gear Solid 3D: Snake Eater and Metal Gear Solid: Rising up next you might be wondering what exactly Kojima Productions will be doing beyond them.

They have posted a list of jobs up for offer under the vague headline of 'Next Generation of Metal Gear Solid Series Production Staff.' According to the listing, Kojima Productions are seeking planners, programmers and CG designers for a large variety of tasks. The programming jobs specificially cite applicants should have experience on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC, whilst the graphics listing is aimed at people who are interested in conducting research into next generation CG.

Maybe we will see another Metal Gear title unveiled before this year is out? Until then, Metal Gear Solid 3D is due this year and Metal Gear Solid: Rising is due out in 2012.

Written by: Kyran Morrison

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