Need for Speed Rivals studio hit with layoffs

The UK offices of Ghost Games, the behind Need for Speed Rivals, has been hit with some layoffs according to a report.

According to multiple unnamed sources speaking to Polygon, publisher Electronic Arts has dismissed contractors and advised full-time staff they can accept compensation or commence work on a new project in development at Visceral Games.

The report claims Visceral - best known for its work on the Dead Space series - is working on a "police-themed" Battlefield installment code-named Havana, and due for release later in 2014.

Meanwhile, an unannounced Need for Speed installment has been put on hold.

Ghost Games boss Marcus Nilsson confirmed in August that the studio had taken charge of the Need for Speed series. Last year's installment was developed with the help of several Criterion staff.

"Need For Speed needs continuity," he said, "now [EA is] thinking about the brand as Ghost owns it. It cannot go from black to white between Black Box and Criterion, and that's why we're now thinking about the brand as Ghost owns it."

Following initial reports of the layoffs, EA told Polygon that the company had "entered a consultation period for some positions in our Ghost Games U.K. studio."

Founded in 2012, EA Gothenberg was re-branded Ghost Games later in that year. The UK branch is based in Guildford, Surrey.