Today we heard the distressing news of the proposed closure of the historical Lionhead Studios, alongside with the shuttering of Press Play Studios.
While it’s certainly sad to see two relevant studios disappear, this caused a veritable wave of solidarity, support and even employment offers from many other developers, that expressed their feelings across tens of messages on social media.
Below you can find a selection:
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End Co-Lead Designer Anthony Newman:
Bummed to hear about Lionhead, Fable 2 was a personal favorite. My thoughts to those affected… hit us up at @NaughtyDogJobs
— Anthony Shredman (@BadData_) March 7, 2016
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End Dynamics Artist Neilan Naicker:
Lionhead and Black & White were very special, very formative parts of my teens, I'm sad to see them go. Best of luck to everyone there.
— Neilan Naicker (@Neilan) March 7, 2016
Sony Santa Monica Lead Programmer Federico Bianco Prevot:
So sad to hear about Lionhead. 🙁 If anyone is looking for a new gig, let me know! We are looking for great people! https://t.co/bJgflPV95U
— FedericoBiancoPrevot (@NocturnDragon) March 7, 2016
No Man’s Sky Game Director Sean Murray:
Dreamt of joining Lionhead when I was a kid. It once stood as the most wildly innovative studio. So sad to see it close like this
— Sean Murray (@NoMansSky) March 7, 2016
No Man’s Sky Art Director Grant Duncan:
Gutted to hear about Lionhead being closed down, good luck to all those affected 🙁
— Grant Duncan (@GrantDuncan) March 7, 2016
Batman: Arkham Knight Game Director Sefton Hill:
So sorry to hear about Lionhead. End of an era. To those affected we're hiring so check us out if you're interested. https://t.co/fpgXJySxmU
— Sefton Hill (@Seftonhill) March 7, 2016
Media Molecule Creative Director Mark Healey:
Very sad to see Lionhead being shut down, very fond memory's of my time there.
— Marcos (@marcoshealey) March 7, 2016
Media Molecule Designer Christophe Villedieu:
Really sad by today's news, talented human pay the price of "numbers"… again.#Lionhead https://t.co/CuHyDfFqxy
— Christophe Unfolded (@monsterplant) March 7, 2016
Q-Games Founder Dylan Cuthbert_
Any Lionhead guys who want to take a break from the uk on their next gig ping me, come to Kyoto!
— Dylan Cuthbert (@dylancuthbert) March 7, 2016
Guerrilla Cambridge Senior Technical Director Luke Maskell:
#Lionhead guys, we've got vacancies here at Guerrilla Cambridge. Get in touch. https://t.co/ftCEqKvvCi
— Luke Maskell (@gibbonofdoom) March 7, 2016
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag Game Director Ashraf Ismail:
Very sad to hear that @LionheadStudios is shutting down I adored the first Fable! They've left a mark in the industry
— Ashraf Ismail (@AshrafAIsmail) March 7, 2016
Sucker Punch Character/Cinematic Supervisor Billy Harper:
Dear Friends from @LionheadStudios and @pressplay_games , @SuckerPunchJobs have a few positions open: https://t.co/galXtQ6ua8
— Billy Harper (@BillyHarper73) March 7, 2016
Horizon: Zero Dawn Art Director Jan-Bart van Beek:
Very sad to see Lionhead Studio closing. https://t.co/wsXuJa7oKl
— jan-bart van beek (@janbartvanbeek) March 7, 2016
Insomniac Games Lead Character Artist Gavin Goulden:
Sorry to hear about Lionhead and Press Play. Fable was a huge inspiration to me and a lot of my friends, it's a shame.
— Gavin Goulden (@GavinGoulden) March 7, 2016
Insomniac Games Environment Artist Bryan Renno:
We have a lot of openings on the otherside of the pond at Insomniac for any #Lionhead people btw
— Ryan Benno (@BryanRenno) March 7, 2016
BioWare Art Director Alistair McNally:
Really sad to hear the news about @LionheadStudios this morning. That said @BioWare is always looking for experienced developers!
— Alistair McNally (@Al_McNally) March 7, 2016
Rise of the Tomb Raider Writer Rhianna Pratchett:
Shocked to hear about Fable Legends & proposed closure of Lionhead. My thoughts are with the many talents folks there. Such a great studio.
— Rhianna Pratchett (@rhipratchett) March 7, 2016
Far Cry 4 Creative Director Alex Hutchinson:
Very sad to hear about Lionhead closure. Also love MS saying 'it has nothing to do with the team'… what else could it have to do with?
— Alex Hutchinson (@BangBangClick) March 7, 2016
Dovetail Games Creative Director Steve Hood:
Lionhead Studios to close? Had a fantastic time there back in the day. It's a shame it's gone the way it has. Best of luck to all.
— Steve Hood (@T4RG4) March 7, 2016
It’s uplifting to see so many developers ready to stand by the side of those risking to lose their jobs. Unfortunately, though, the event itself remains tragic. Here at DualShockers we hope that those affected will manage to find a new place to express their creativity soon, and hopefully the many studios that offered new opportunities will be able to help.
