The Canadian-based studio behind Prototype and Prototype 2, Radical Entertainment, has been essentially shut down by Activision.
“Although we made a substantial investment in the Prototype IP, it did not find a broad commercial audience,” according to an Activision statement. “Radical is a very talented team of developers, however, we have explored various options for the studio, including a potential sale of the business, and have made a difficult conclusion through the consultation process that the only remaining option is a significant reduction in staff. As such, some employees will remain working for Radical Entertainment supporting other existing Activision Publishing projects, but the studio will cease development of its own games going forward.”
Senior audio director at Radica, Rob Bridgett, tweeted “RIP Radical Entertainment 1991-2012: earlier today.
A subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Radical Entertainment was formed in 1991 in Vancouver. The studio is probably best known for their work on Prototype and Prototype 2, the company cut their developer teeth on like 1992’s Wayne’s World, The Terminator and Brett Hull Hockey 95.
Vivendi Universal Games acquired the company in 2005. Radical developed games like Scarface: The World is Yours and The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction. They also developed Crash Bandicoot games for a short while. In 2008 the studio became part of Activision Blizzard where they started working on Prototype and Prototype 2.
(Via The Verge)