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UNDERWORLD SET
FOR CHRISTMAS DEBUT
Copyright 2008 www.tombraiderchronicles.com
[ February 29th 2008 ]
Eidos
has announced a ruthless cost-cutting campaign
aimed at reducing some 25 per cent of Company
workforce and the axing of 14 ongoing projects
as part of a restructuring plan Eidos CEO Phil
Rogers hopes will tip the publisher back on an
even keel.
"SCi
is in need of immediate change," said SCi CEO
Phil Rogers. "Following our business review over
the last six weeks, we are initiating a clear
action plan based on three fundamental strands
of activity: a radical change in our structure
to a studio-led business, a top to bottom program
of product improvement and efficiency and a considerable
cost reduction plan.
"The
cost of delivering world-class games has increased
significantly and we must provide appropriate
levels of resource to maximise these opportunities.
At the same time our industry is well positioned
for business and margin expansion through a broadening
demographic appeal of games and initiatives centred
around online initiatives.
"Our
cornerstone franchises, such as Tomb
Raider that has already sold 35 million units,
have the potential to deliver significant profits
and substantial returns on investment, which should
not be diluted by more run-of-the-mill games.
We must optimise our return on these titles, leverage
and position the Group for online and make better
use of our innovative strength."
Eidos
also confirmed Tomb
Raider Underworld, currently being developed
by U.S. studio Crystal
Dyanmics, will be released Christmas 2008.
"Following a review of our 2008 platform and product
line up, the Group has decided to move the release
date of four titles into the fourth calendar quarter.
"The
most significant of these titles is the next Tomb
Raider game, Tomb Raider: Underworld, which is
now scheduled to launch during the 2008 Christmas
season. "
Revenue
for the six months to 31 December 2007 was £73.0m
against £74.5m in the comparable period for 2006.
The Group released three games, versus four in
the comparable period of the prior year. The Group
made a loss from operations of £81.4m in the six
months to 31 December 2007 compared to a loss
of £17.9m in the same period in 2006.
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