Activision Closes Iowa-Based Budcat Creations

17 Nov 2010 at 19:58:20 by Peter Parrish

Activision continues to slash jobs in the videogame industry, with the confirmation today that yesterday's rumours surrounding the closure of Budcat Creations were true.

Initial reports came from an unconfirmed and anonymous phone call to the PC Gamer offices, claiming that Budcat staff had arrived at work to find "cheerful" consultants outside, who informed the employees they were being let go. Budcat was purchased by Activision in 2008 and developed a number of Guitar Hero console ports for the company.

Activision has now released an official statement regarding the closure, which reads: "We are implementing a targeted reduction in jobs in our Quality Assurance team in California and closing our Budcat studio in Iowa. Approximately 88 positions will be impacted by these reductions."

Further Activision job losses are likely to occur at Bizarre Creations. Yesterday, the studio received news that it was on 90 day notice of restructuring or closure as the publisher-owner considered 'options.'

Activision-Blizzard's 2009 GAAP net revenues were $4.28 billion USD, while Call of Duty: Black Ops has so far earned the company an estimated £113.8 million GBP in the UK alone. Bobby Kotick's basic salary in 2008 was $900,000 USD, with various bonuses and compensation raising it to almost $15.0 million USD.

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