Confirmed - Split/Second dev Black Rock to close

Brighton-based Split/Second and Pure developer Black Rock Studios is set to close, with 40 people made redundant, Disney's confirmed to VG247.

In May, the company confirmed that it had reduced staff numbers within the studio, but kept 40 jobs. Those will now also go due to the studio's closure.

Black Rock was also working on a secret project after Split/Second. Disney's now confirmed it wasn't greenlit for "further development."

A statement from the company 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.”

A source told EG that Disney was outsourcing games that Black Rock was capable of, and that it had mishandled the dev.

The news was given to staff in Brighton Town Hall yesterday.

Two studios have been formed since the earlier job cuts earlier this year: Roundcube Entertainment and ShortRound Games.

For those at Black Rock, we salute you. All the best.