Free Radical Design Saved By Crytek
Many gamers know that Free Radical Design, developer of the TimeSplitters series and the critically panned Haze was having financial trouble. However, it was recently announced that Crytek, the developer of the Crysis series, is purchasing the troubled developer.
While final details of the purchase have not been released, it appears that for the time being Free Radical is in the clear. The news of the purchase comes from Free Radical’s scriptwriter Rob Yescombe.
Possibly Back in Action?
Free Radical officially shut down in December 2008. The 185 member team was shunted down to 40, leaving many members without jobs. During that month, many undisclosed parties were interested in obtaining the company.
Recently, leaked images of Star Wars Battlefront III and TimeSplitters appeared on the Internet, illustrating works-in-progress that may or not be revived.
Now with Free Radical in the welcoming hands of Crytek, hopefully some announcements will release stating what Free Radical will be working on in the future, whether it be Battlefront or a new TimeSplitters that stays far away from the ill-fated design of Haze.
A majority portion of the Free Radical team was unceremoniously let go, only to find out the next morning when the doors to their offices were locked. Hopefully, Crytek will work to reacquire those members.
Tags: Crysis, CryTek, Free Radical, TimeSplitters
Even though FRD made a big misstep with Haze, I think I would have been really depressed if they disappeared. But now that Crytek’s in charge, maybe bad design ideas will have another layer of quality assessment before it’s shipped out the door.