UK driving game team closed by parent firm, according to sources
Sega's UK-based Racing Studio has been closed, MCV sister site Develop understands.
According to a former staff member from the studio, the Solihull-based outfit has shut down effective immediately.
Sega Racing Studio had so far developed just one game, its PS3/360 and PC remake of Sega Rally. Released in September 2007, the game debuted to fairly good reviews (with an average score around 75 according to Metacritic), but less stellar sales.
The reason for the closure is not yet known. Reps from Sega UK had not returned Develop’s call for comment at the time of publication.
For the full story, head over to Develop's spiffing website.
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Comments
Schadenfreude
To me Sega Rally was a deliberate anti Codemasters move.
They went head to head against Codemasters most successful title. And they stole a whole pile of Codemasters staff to do it.
I wonder why?
Remember they also went after Codemasters in football management and outbid them to get World Championship Snooker from Blade.
Sega Rally metacriticed in the mid 70s so it wasn't too bad. Launching it the same day as Halo 3 wasn't the brightest move. It probably deserved another iteration but seemingly won't get it in the light of Sega's ongoing problems.
Re: Schadenfreude
Most of the senior management at Sega Uk is from Codemasters including MD, business dev and 3rd party.
Heading up the racing studio is/was the creator of the Colin McRae series.
But Outrun 2 IMHO was a better game than SR and that was developed out of house at Sumo so maybe that has something to do with it.
Re: Schadenfreude
I was under the impression that Sumo we're brought in to port Outrun 2? I didnt know they developed the arcade version and its console couterpart from the ground up?!
Please correct me if I'm wrong. Not trying to be funny, I honestly would like to know.
I also thought the SEGA Racing Studio did a fantastic job with the new Sega Rally. Its one of the only games I've played in ages (regardless of genre) where I've actually had FUN.
It brings a smile to my face whenever I play it.
I cant say the same for PGR4, Colin McCrae DIRT, Forza 2 or any other driving game from this generation of consoles.
Dont get me wrong, I think the games I just mentioned are ace but I didnt have fun playing them...
This is sad news indeed.
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