The closure of BigBig Studios means we'll probably never see another entry in the excellent Pursuit Force series.

The announcement comes alongside news of a major shake-up for the platform holder's Cambridge division.

The Leamington Spa-based BigBig Studios recently finished worked on the PlayStation Vita launch title, Little Deviants, after spending the past several years focusing its efforts on the PlayStation Portable. BigBig was the developer behind two Pursuit Force titles and MotorStorm: Arctic Edge.

Meanwhile, Sony's Cambridge studio will continue to exist — albeit in a decreased capacity. The traditionally technology focused studio will team-up with Guerrilla Games in order to assist production of a Killzone title for the PS Vita.

Thankfully, the shake-up will not impact any of Sony's other major British studios — with Media Molecule, Evolution Studios, Studio Liverpool and Studio London all unaffected.

Sony said that BigBig Studios “has been an important part of SCE Worldwide Studios” since joining the group in 2007.

“However, it was felt that by focusing on other studios that are currently working on exciting new projects, we would be in a stronger position to offer the best possible content for our consumers,” the company continued.

“We have reviewed and assessed all current projects and plans for the short and medium term and have decided to make some changes to European studios. As a result of this, there will be a realignment of resource within the studio to ensure that the studio is in the best position to achieve this.”[strong][/strong]

Sad news for the UK industry, but with both Novarama and Double Eleven signed up to exclusive contracts with SCEE, we suspect that the platform holder felt keeping BigBig Studios open was surplus to requirements.

Still, on a personal level we're gutted by this news because it probably means we'll never see another Pursuit Force developed. It also makes the Western release of Little Deviants a bitter pill.

Our thoughts go out to all those affected by this news. We wish you the very best of luck in the future.

[source develop-online.net]