Ex-THQ Digital Warrington staffers launch new companies

At least three start-ups have formed in the wake of THQ's closure of its UK studio, Digital Warrington, which produced Warhammer 40K: Kill Team, Red Faction: Battlegrounds, and Juiced.

Develop reports ex-staffers Jamie Campbell and Stephen Powell will launch a new three-man studio called D3T.

Don Whiteford and Ric Badger will also found a new studio, but aren't ready to give details yet.

A third new company, this one a concept development team, comes courtesy of Stu and Donna Jennett, and wil be called Alien Apple Studios.

THQ held recruitment days for the redundant developers ahead of the layoffs, and some have found contract work with Sony and Evolution in the local area.

Colin Bell, who founded Digital Warrington, said THQ had done the right thing by former staff.

"THQ have done all they can through the consultancy period and have treated staff with respect," he said.

"I've definitely been proud to have been involved in setting up and running the studio and have no regrets. I've also been proud to work for THQ. We've provided around 400 man years of employment over the last eight years and that is no mean feat."

36 staff were laid off from Digital warrington after the release of the Xbox 360 version of Kill Team, with just ten remaining until the PlayStation 3 version launches.

Thanks, Gamespot.