Black Rock is Disney Interactive Studios' first video game development studio in Europe, making it both strategically and geographically significant in accessing the deep pool of development talent throughout the UK and across Europe. The award-winning team at Black Rock will continue to focus on developing triple-A racing titles.
Tony Beckwith, co-founder and general manager of Black Rock Studio, said: "The new name symbolizes the next chapter in our development of outstanding games for the next generation and beyond. Being part of the creative family of Disney Interactive Studios and having access to the breadth and scope of the resources of the Walt Disney Company will enhance our ability to create award-winning titles that inspire and challenge gamers throughout the world."
"Black Rock has distinguished itself as one of the world's premier racing studios and well deserves its position as a center of creative excellence for racing," said Graham Hopper, executive vice president and general manager, Disney Interactive Studios. "The studio has proven to be a perfect addition for us and with the re-naming to Black Rock starts the next phase of our journey together."
Under its former name, Black Rock Studio is known as a leading developer of racing games, including its critically acclaimed work on the best-selling franchises Moto GP and ATV Offroad Fury. Black Rock is based in Brighton, England, and employs more than 100 video game artists, programmers and designers.
Black Rock Studio, formerly known as Climax Racing, was established in early 2000 with the goal of becoming the industry's premier racing studio. Using its proprietary render engine and PACE physics libraries, the studio has become experienced at producing triple-A, critically acclaimed racing titles in very competitive development times. Climax Racing was acquired by Disney Interactive Studios in October 2006 and re-named Black Rock Studio in July 2007.
Disney Interactive Studios also operates development studios in Vancouver, British Columbia (Propaganda Games) and Salt Lake City, Utah (Avalanche Software and Fall Line Studio).