Codemasters to close Guildford studio

Codemasters is preparing to close its Guildford studio, the publisher has confirmed, affecting as many as 70 jobs.

The stripping of Codemasters Guildford will reduce the publisher’s studio base by a third.

Codemasters said in a statement that it will refocus resources to its Warwickshire and Birmingham studios.

The downsizing operation will affect 66 Guildford studio personnel, who are now placed in a consultation period, Codemasters said.

Vacancies remain open at Codemasters Birmingham and on-campus Warwickshire site.

Codemasters Guildford was most recently responsible for the new FPS Bodycount, which launched this month but failed to make an impact on UK retail charts.

The game, a new IP, debuted at position 36.

The publisher has suggested it will move away from building FPS games, claiming it will focus resources on its staple franchises DiRT, GRID and F1 Online.

Codemasters said it is also working on a new IP.

“As we look to take greater leadership in the racing category, Codemasters is proposing a studio structure that adds resource and strengthens our best-in-class racing teams,” a spokesperson said.