VG247

Lionhead Studios has confirmed it is letting go of staff. The studio has issued a statement on the matter, stressing that this kind of action is normal after studios complete projects. Read it in full below.

“Following the completion of Fable: The Journey the Lionhead studio is in the process of beginning work on its next projects. As is common in the games industry, a reduced headcount is needed as projects kick-off and ramp up as development gets underway.”

“At this time a very 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 actively hiring.”

Develop has also reported that only 10% of the studio’s payroll wil be affected, and that staff likely to go will be laid off before the end of 2012. Microsoft has also confirmed that 100 new roles will be created and filled across the UK in 2013.

Hopefully the company gets some stronger leadership.

I'm not really sure why you brought up God of War ascension or Last of Us but ok, if that makes you feel better.  We don't even know what's going to be out next year yet so hold off before saying God of War Ascension will be a contender.  I like God of War but they make a God of War game pretty much every year wether it's for the PSP, PS3, or Vita, and I believe that will hurt it in the long run.  Last of Us will for sure be a contender and it right now is a heavy favorite.  I can't possibly see something coming out better next year but I dont believe it was ever a 2012 release date?  Even so Halo still would have been the more complete game, Story, co-op, firefight, theatre, multiplayer, etc.  Last of Us would have been a more defining game so it's hard to say which one would be better. It depends on who you talk to, both look great.  Last of Us cinimatics and story looks out of this world but Halo 4 has so much content that I think it would be hard to say which one would win. Either way I can't wait for the game, have they gave a release date yet?

You know Sony Santa monica doesn't make the PSP games right? GOW on the consoles is two years in the making and launched in march as well. I am sure the game will be ready without delay. Halo has a lot of content, but its going up against a COD, Mass Effect and Assassins Creed 3 which is on a new engine. Assassins Creed is known to be a show stopper when it pulls new gameplay out of its hat. Remember Assassins Creed 2? As for Last of Us being a contender, I say that because I hold everything Naughty Dog makes in high regard, much like Sony Santa Monica. The quality both companies make reminds me of the productivity in Rare back in its hey-day. I grew up on Naughty Dog and their quality has only expanded ten fold.

Remember Uncharted 2? (same year :D, same team is making TLOU and we all know what game got hands down the most acclaim that year)

Not knocking you off in any way. Trying to help you boost that TLOU point of yours xD

As for Ascension. I am worried. Yes the GoW games have switched directors each game (thinking mostly on 1-2-3 here) but I want to know what Stig Assmusen is doing. To me it feels like almost Ascension is a test to see if the MP can be done without harming the actual name of GoW (hence why its a prequel and not a sequel). Perhaps Stig aside from making a new project, has people on GoWIV for PS4.

I am very excited for Ascension, but how can they possibly think they can top God of War 3 in terms of how "huge" that game was. Considering we havent really seen jack from the SP aside from the most refined gameplay thus far in GoW (atleast they nailed that) its hard to judge if its a GOTY contender or not.

Think you got it mixed up there. Last of Us would have been crushed sales wise. Even GOTY speaking Halo 4s online options dwarf that of LOU

Not what I was trying to say.  My point is you're bringing up two games that are being released next year for what reason?  Anyways, Naughty Dog is one of the best game companies right now.  Call of Duty will not match Halo 4 in quality or content, Mass Effect 3 was really good in my opinion but with all the controversy this year it's hard to say it will win.  Assassin's Creed 3 in my opinion will be good but not as good as what people are predicting 85-89 metacritic is my guess, I could be wrong but I know that Call of Duty won't win.  Call of Duty will win FPS awards but not goty because it lacks content.   As for Ascension, as I said before God of War (Not Santa Monica) is being milked badly and it's going to effect the game because there is really nothing new to the game. 85-88 metacritic, and you can quote me on that.

P.S. Comparing Last of Us and Halo is ridiculous but as I said before Halo will have a ton of content while Last of Us will be played once and be done with so don't act like it was in your words "Lucky".  Halo became a phenomenon for a reason.

Yeah dont even worry about it.  I think he just wanted to hype up some sony titles 

So more sales and online options = GOTY?

Black Ops 2 is GOTY!