CORE DESIGN SOLD TO REBELLION STUDIO
Copyright 2006 www.tombraiderchronicles.com

[ June 15th 2006 ]

Rebellion has confirmed the purchase of Core Design from owners Eidos is now complete. Although Eidos will retain the Core Design name, the studio, its assets and workforce will begin trading under Rebellion (Derby) Ltd.

Core Design paved the way for 3D action-adventure gaming in 1996 with the release of Tomb Raider. The game's main protagonist, Lara Croft, went on to become one of video-gaming's most prolific female heroines, spawning six further adventures, two motion pictures and a string of promotional tie-ins.

The Derbyshire-based studio also produced the ground-breaking, squad-based shooter Project Eden and warmed the hearts of Disney lovers by introducing the insatiable Herdy Gerdy and his technicolor capers to console owners.

Following massive restructuring after the release of The Angel Of Darkness - both in terms of mission objectives and Eidos' plans to streamline its business - the studio refocused and geared its workforce to create and develop titles for Sony's PSP. Smart Bomb and Free Running were born.

Jason Kingsley, CEO and Creative Director of Rebellion said, "Core is one of the UK industry’s major success stories and we’re delighted to have completed the deal with Eidos. With Next-Gen development upon us now, and publisher requirements changing, this studio’s deep and experienced talent allows us to continue to compete at a global level.

"We are in a position where our products such as Sniper Elite and Rogue Trooper are receiving critical acclaim and our reputation for innovative, quality titles is in the ascendant. This acquisition is a major component in maintaining this progress, and together with our business plan for 2006, it’s our goal to develop Rebellion further.”