Game site Develop reports that British independent developer Rebellion, publishers of the Rogue Trooper and Judge Dredd games and also owners of cult comics 2000AD and Judge Dredd: The Megazine, has hit out at reports saying that the UK is the most expensive place to develop a game.
Asked in a Develop-exclusive interview whether the studio struggles as a work-for-hire developer when it’s pitching against other teams in less costy locations such as the US, CEO Jason Kingsley said: “No – the UK is nowhere near as expensive as it is in California. Although we’re not that far behind, I would say Britain is the best place to get a game made.”
“There are some horror stories other studios will tell you about going to low-cost places to get a game made,” he continues. “There is a risk/reward situation for publishers when it comes to paying for that. We’ve been around 16 years, and we’ve not got a reputation to maintain, which I think is one of the things that helps us attract work. The same goes for other UK studios.”
Jason Kingsley has also suggested that the team are in the business for the long haul, with no prospect soon of the company being bought out, which might ultimately affect 2000AD and its other print publishing ventures.
“We’ve never said never to [accquisition], but it’s not something on our roadmap,” says Jason. “We’re not planning to cash out because I like the lifestyle of running and owning a company.”
Among other recent success stories for the highly-rated independent game developer, The company recently announced that Reef Entertainment has confirmed it has agreed an exclusive deal to launch 2000AD character Rogue Trooper videogame globally on Wii.
• For more from the Kingsleys check out the full interview here.
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: 2000AD, British Comics