Im Gegensatz zu dem fröhlichen klingenden Firmentitel, haben die Mitarbeiter des Entwicklungsstudios GRIN aktuell gar nichts zu lachen. Den Mitteilungen auf der offiziellen Homepage zu Folge wird das Studio geschlossen. Die ersten Mitarbeiter haben offensichtlich das Unternehmen bereits verlassen, da man ihnen kein Gehalt mehr gezahlt hatte und kurzfristige, neue Projekte nicht absehbar seien. GRIN ist unter anderem durch die Spiele Bionic Commando und Terminator: Die Erlösung bekannt geworden. Der mäßige Erfolg der beiden Titel hat die Firma dann offensichtlich in den Ruin getrieben.

Inzwischen haben sich einige ehemalige Mitarbeiter von GRIN bereits zu einem neuen, unabhängigen Studio zusammengeschlossen. Die neue Spieleschmiede will sich zukünftig verstärkt auf kleinere Titel für den Xbox LIVE Arcade Markt konzentrieren.

Die offizielle Stellungnahme von GRIN:

The last Credits from the brothers GRIN

It is with a heavy heart we announce today that GRIN has been forced to close its doors. This as too many publishers have been delaying their payments, causing an unbearable cashflow situation.

After twelve years of hard work, employing hundreds of wonderfully talented men and women, it is over. It has been a great adventure and the GRIN family has experienced what few have.

Looking back at twelve years of games, titles such as Ballistics, Bandits, GRAW 1 & 2, Bionic Commando Rearmed, Wanted: Weapons of Fate, Terminator: Salvation, Bionic Commando and our unreleased masterpiece that we weren't allowed to finish; it has been a great ride.

We would like to thank a few special companies and individuals that have meant a lot for us during these years:

• Phil Scott & Phil Wright and crew at Nvidia
• Greg, Chris, Guy, Leigh and crew at Intel
• Fabrice, Stephane, Mathieu, Romain, Nouredine and the rest of the team at UBI Soft for the wonderful opportunities on GRAW - you kicked us off, thanks!
• The crew at SEB who stood by us at all times
• Adam Boyes and the guys at CAPCOM US. Thanks for being honest, a rare gift.

The biggest hug goes to all of our great team members and their families. We had a lot of fun even though we were fighting crazy hours and producers.

The final thanks goes out to our GRIN mom, Annelie - you stood by us and the company from birth to death - without you none of the great times would have happened.

And to all our gamers - we hope you had a good time.

Quelle: IGN.com