Jason Kingsley, CEO and Creative Director of Rebellion said, “We’ve been keeping our eye on Razorworks since we bought Strangelight from Empire Interactive in 2006. We heard some very good things about the set-up, the team and their approach, which is very similar to our own. So, when we had the opportunity to buy the studio, we seized it with both hands.”
Chris Kingsley, CTO of Rebellion added, “The Razorworks purchase is in line with our ambitious expansion plans. The Razorworks team will be joining us in the Oxford studio and will bring a raft of experience to our current and new projects. Razorworks will also be the focal point in expanding Rebellion knowledge base and portfolio.
Jason concludes, “At a time when the UK industry faces many challenges, keeping and retaining a team with a proven track record is essential if UK developers are to compete on the world stage. We’re very happy to welcome Razorworks to Rebellion and we look forward to working together on some very exciting projects.”
“Further to our recent media announcement, we are very pleased to confirm that we have successfully completed the sale of Razorworks to a very appropriate suitor.” Said Clive Kabatznik, CEO, Silverstar Holdings, Ltd “Rebellion are one of the foremost Independent European developers and we know that Razorworks skills will compliment their existing organisation. We wish both parties the very best and look forward to working with them in the future.”
The UK-based computer games super-developer was established in 1992 by brothers Jason and Chris Kingsley. Their first major success was Aliens Vs. PredatorTM on PC in 1999, creating game innovations years ahead of their time. As their name suggests, their approach to game production is focused primarily on cross-platform innovation and product quality. Their purchase of the UK sci-fi comic 2000 AD in 2000 and subsequent motion picture productions has provided valuable in-sight and experience in creating its unique product portfolio.
In 2005, Sniper Elite was released with Namco and MC2, securing critical acclaim, global sales success and winning the TIGA Award for ‘Best PC/Console Game 2005’. Lauded as ‘The Gran Turismo of war games' by the gaming press, it has built upon the collection of Rebellion owned IPs, which includes World War Zero and the 2000 AD character Rogue Trooper..
In the summer of 2006, Rebellion purchased the Core Design studios, responsible for the Lara Croft - Tomb Raider series and Strangelite studios in Liverpool. These acquisitions established the company as one of the biggest and most innovative studios within the European development community.
From July to December 2006, Rebellion won ‘Most Improved Developer’ at the Develop Industry Excellence Awards, was nominated for two BAFTA awards for Best Character and Best Screenplay for Rogue Trooper and won the TIGA Awards for ‘Best Developer’ and ‘Best Hand-held and console game’ for Miami Vice: The Game.
2007 was Rebellion’s 15th anniversary and saw the company acquire the Awesome Studio from Ignition in March increasing its staff to 280 personnel. 2007 saw the release of the global hits; The Simpsons Game with EA on PlayStation2 & PSP & Nintendo Wii, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix with EA on PlayStationPSP, Star Wars: Renegade Squadron with LucasArts on PlayStationPSP, Aliens Vs. Predator: Requiem with Sierra on PlayStationPSP and finally Rebellion’s own brand Free Running with Reef Entertainment on PS2 & PSP.