Crytek On Free Radical Acquisition

18 Feb 2009 at 13:13:36 by Andy Alderson

Crytek’s Anvi Yerli has explained the recent acquisition of Free Radical Studios, and what effect it will have on the company’s future plans.

Speaking to 1UP, Crytek managing director Yerli revealed that the Nottingham-based Free Radical would be the “perfect fit” for Crytek as it makes its first steps into console gaming. The developer announced last year that it would be moving away from PC-exclusive development due to piracy issues and has recently advertised for programmers with console experience.

“Our console plans are no secret”, said Yerli, “they happened long before we thought of the acquisition of Free Radical.”

“But in the end, the fact that Free Radical is very experienced with console shooters made the deal even more valuable.”

The acquisition means that Crytek now owns Free Radical’s IP portfolio, which includes the popular Timesplitters franchise. Yerli did not confirm whether any of these IPs would be pursued, adding “at this early stage we're looking into all possibilities, but it's just too early to say."

He also reiterated that the developer currently has no plans to bring its acclaimed PC shooter Crysis (or its semi-sequel, Crysis Warhead, to consoles).

Most importantly, however, Yerli confirmed that Free Radical, now Crytek UK, will be rehiring an unknown number of the 185 staff who were made redundant on December 31.

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