A number of staff at UK based Lionhead Studios have been told earlier today that they are at risk of losing their jobs. It is hoped that the majority of those affected will be found new roles at other Microsoft owned Studios.
“Following the completion of Fable: The Journey, Lionhead Studios has begun work on its next projects,” a statement released by Microsoft explains. “As is common in the games industry, a smaller headcount is needed as projects kick-off and ramp up as full-production gets underway.
“At this time a small number of positions have been identified as at risk of redundancy and the affected employees were notified today. We are working very closely with those people during this difficult time, to help them explore alternative opportunities within Microsoft – including new roles at Microsoft Studios which is growing in the UK and actively hiring across all locations, including Lionhead, Rare, Soho Productions and our recently announced new studio in London.
“There is a thoughtful and fair consultation process for all employees to ensure they have the best possible chance of finding a role inside Microsoft Studios. We are working closely with the affected employees during this difficult time, and helping them to explore opportunities.
“We do not have an exact number to share but by the end of 2012 these reductions will account for less than 10 per cent of the overall headcount at Lionhead. More importantly, we expect to add over 100 people to Microsoft Studios in the UK over the course of the year to June 2013.”
Fortunately, only last month Microsoft announced the formation of a brand new Soho based development studio in London which is not too far away from Lionhead’s HQ in Guildford, Surrey. Thing have looked bleak so far this year for the once acclaimed Fable developer, former Lionhead founder Peter Molyneux quit the studio in March to form 22 Cans and took the majority of the company’s senior staff in the process.
