I'm sure we'll be hearing more about Ratbag's demise in the next few days and weeks as the news circulates around media. The Advertiser, a newspaper that's focused on South Australia, has picked up on what's known so far. They report...
THE Adelaide-based game developer formerly known as Ratbag will be closed down by its Chicago-based owners just five months after it was bought for more than $7 million.
Sources close to the company said U.S.-company Midway Game's worldwide studios senior vice president Matthew Booty was in Adelaide to deliver the bad news to about 70 stunned staff on Tuesday night....
In August, Mr Booty said Midway was excited to add Ratbag to its portfolio because of its solid management and strong development team.
Ratbag's closure follows a recent shutdown of Midway's San Diego studio and the purchase of a German games company focused on PlayStation 3 games.
The move has raised speculation that Midway Games was dumping its PlayStation 2 games makers for games developers working in the PS3 arena.
As I said, due largely to the next-gen storm hitting our shores - publishers are no longer interest in current gen: XBOX, PS2, GCUBE.
Expect more of this in the year to come, not just globally but locally as well - for instance, how are Perception doing these days?
http://forum.sumean.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3425
I can't believe his name is "Mr Booty." Does he sound like a try-hard sleaze or what !?
Once again the small, worker ant gets stepped on
More than another worker getting stepped on. International company buys another local business, that took an Aussie to risk setting up financially,employing 70 & have an overseas pen sign its death warrant. Another thought, if these guys can program PS2 games,surely they would have some idea how to write PS3 ones as well!
Its pretty much the most discusting thing Ive seen Midway do yet! (appart from Mortal Kombat)
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HELP-DONT-LET-US-BE-SEPARATED-HELP-US-STAY-TOGET…
No, that link above shows the most disgusting thing a company could *ever* do. Make sure you follow it.
And don't buy midway games. Or work for any studio they own. Sorry, but imho that sort of thing is just not on at all.
At least you had the opportunity to work for a game developer that paid its staff on time. Maybe if you had saved up some money you could go to Scotland. The gurus running this joint don't seem to think it's important to actually pay their staff and I've already lost my partner over the issue. It's obvious the gurus have money problems, but they should be honest with their staff and maybe a little more responsible. Honesty and responsibility are important for building trust and commitment. What do you think Ben?
who's Ben ?
Really there is only one Ben isn't there?
Anyone who works for the gurus know who Ben is. He's one of the main guys in charge there.
Everyone knows by now that Perception arent paying salaries to their employees. Bummer guys.
What is it about Australian companies where they expect 200"(percent) results from you, but only give 20"(percent) back. Lack of conditions and support.
Thats "just how the industry works". No wonder folks leave.
Hang on, Ben has something to do with the IGDA. Great going guys, team up with a boss who doesn't pay his staff and busts relationships. Neat.
Ben has his hands in a lot of cookie jars, he's a good salesman