THQ to axe Homefront studio Kaos [Update 2]

THQ is in the process of closing down its New York studio Kaos, Develop understands.

Studio management is thought to be holding meetings with staff about their future livelihoods – and will likely offer them the opportunity to relocate to Canada.

If they do not move to Montreal they will likely need to find a new job.

[Update 1: THQ has confirmed to Develop it has made a “strategic realignment within its internal studio structure and is in the process of closing two locations: the company’s UK studio and Kaos studio in New York."

[Update 2: THQ has also confirmed it is in the process of closing its Digital Warrington studio in the UK. Develop has been told some 46 staff have been put on notice. More on that development can be found here.]

It is not known how many staff at Kaos will be affected – likely more than 100 people had worked on the Homefront project.

Fears of the Kaos’ closure were made public in January, when one insider exposed the studio’s intense crunch-work and overtime policies.

At the time, the insider told Develop that workers at Kaos feared they will eventually be forced to move far north to the Montreal base or lose their livelihoods.

THQ is currently looking to create 400 new jobs within its new Montreal studio, which opened in the closing stages of 2010.

The new outfit was formed after THQ brokered a deal where it would receive generous state aid from the Quebec government.

Homefront’s new home

THQ has confirmed to Develop that its new Montreal studio will "take over product development and overall creative management for the Homefront franchise".

Patrice Desilets, the former Ubisoft Montreal creative director, has conincidentally started his new job today at the studio.

He joined the group following his spell at Ubisoft Montreal. It is also believed he has brought key Ubisoft talent with him to the studio.