Digital Illusions shut down New York office

Digital Illusions decides to discontinue New York office, Trauma Studios.

In September 2004, New York developer, Trauma Studios was bought by Battlefield 1942 developer Digital Illusions CE for $500,000. Trauma Studios had previously gained a name from its Gulf War Desert Combat mod for Battlefield.

In recent months Trauma Studios have been working on the imminent Battlefield 2 as well as a new game based on the same engine. The buyout called for Trauma Studios' staff to grow from 9 to 20.

In a somewhat unexpected announcement it has been revealed that Digital Illusions has "decided to discontinue the New York office, Trauma Studios." Digital Illusions say that "conditions have changed and the future plans of the company differ considerably from when Trauma Studios was acquired in September of 2004."

Elaborating on the reasons for closure, Thomas Skoglund, Digital Illusions' chairman said. "The acquisition of Trauma Studios was nevertheless particularly motivated," and "The deal contained value in form of rights to trademarks as well as a new game concept."

All 12 of Trauma Studios' employees have been offered work in Digital Illusions' Stockholm headquarters but the remaining $200,000 left outstanding from the buyout will not be paid.