Reports have come in that UK developer Free Radical Design, known for its Timesplitters series, is on the verge of laying off half its staff or closing down altogether, even though co-founder Steve Ellis said not too long ago that the studio was in good shape. When employees showed up this morning, the offices were locked, guards were posted outside, and nobody was let in. Word has it that a meeting is under way explaining the situation, but also that LucasArts' unannounced Star Wars Battlefront 4 has been moved to Rebellion instead. We tried to contact FRD, but the phone and email went unanswered.

UPDATE:This.is.Notthingam reports that FRD has not been closed but is in administration (chapter 11), with Resolve Partners in charge of the proceedings, and a formal announcement to be made when the financial situation has been assessed.