Empire Interactive

Empire Interactive was a British video game developer and publisher based in London. Founded in 1987 by Ian Higgins and Simon Jeffrey, it was acquired by Silverstar Holdings in 2006 and went out of business in 2009.

"Xplosiv" redirects here. For the album by La Mafia, see Xplosiv (La Mafia album).

Empire Interactive
Subsidiary
IndustryVideo games
FateAdministration
Founded1987 (1987)
Founders
  • Ian Higgins
  • Simon Jeffrey
Defunct1 May 2009 (2009-05-01)
Headquarters
London
,
England
Area served
Europe
Key people
Ian Higgins (CEO; 1987–2008)
Number of employees
55 (2019)
ParentSilverstar Holdings (2006–2009)
Websitewww.empireinteractive.com 

History

Empire Interactive was established by Ian Higgins (chief executive officer) and Simon Jeffrey (managing director) in 1987.[1][2] In November 2000, the company acquired development studio Razorworks.[3]

Silverstar Holdings, a U.S. public company listed on NASDAQ, offered to acquired Empire Interactive in late October 2006.[4] The deal was accepted by 90% of Empire Interactive's shareholders by late November, and so Silverstar Holdings acquired 85% of Empire Interactive's shares. The deal was valued at approximately GB£4.5 million. Admissions of further Empire Interactive shares on the Alternative Investments Market of the London Stock Exchange, were expected to be cancelled, effective on 20 December.[1][5] Higgins stepped down from his position in May 2008.[2][6] In July, Empire Interactive reduced its staff count by 30%, with the intent to sell Razorworks.[7] Razorworks was sold to and absorbed by Rebellion Developments a few days later.[8] After Silverstar Holdings was delisted from NASDAQ in March 2009, Empire Interactive was placed into administration on 1 May 2009, with KPMG Restructuring appointed as administrator. Subsequently, 49 out of 55 employees were laid off, with the remaining six staying to aiding KPMG Restructuring in the winding-down of the company. Empire Interactive's intellectual property was sold to U.S.-based company New World IP.[9][10] Shortly thereafter, U.S. publisher Zoo Publishing acquired an exclusive licence for the publishing and distribution of Empire Interactive from New World IP.[11][12]

Games
gollark: The government will just use the tractor beams to move you back to the middle.
gollark: They're microscopic bees you can't see.
gollark: They don't use mind control *beams* though, they use mind control *bees*, which aren't blocked by metal.
gollark: Yes you do. They just use mind control to make you *think* you don't.
gollark: They're only visible if you wear Google Glass, which is why the government banned that.

References
  1. Boyes, Emma (22 November 2006). "Empire Interactive accepts Silverstar takeover". GameSpot.
  2. MCV Staff (1 May 2008). "Empire Interactive co-founder stands down". MCV.
  3. Walker, Trey (21 November 2000). "Empire Interactive Acquires Razorworks". GameSpot.
  4. Boyes, Emma (30 October 2006). "Silverstar to acquire Empire". GameSpot.
  5. Boyer, Brandon (4 December 2006). "Empire Accepts 90% Acquisition From Silverstar". Gamasutra.
  6. Androvich, Mark (1 May 2008). "Empire CEO steps down". GamesIndustry.biz.
  7. Jenkins, David (3 July 2008). "Empire Interactive Cuts Staff, Will Sell Studio". Gamasutra.
  8. Elliott, Phil (19 July 2008). "Rebellion acquires Razorworks". GamesIndustry.biz.
  9. MCV Staff (5 May 2009). "Confirmed: Empire goes into administration". MCV.
  10. Martin, Matt (5 May 2009). "Empire IP rights sold as 49 staff made redundant". GamesIndustry.biz.
  11. Graft, Kris (7 May 2009). "Zoo Publishing Picks Up Empire Slate". Gamasutra.
  12. Nelson, Randy (7 May 2009). "Empire Interactive's catalog sold to Zoo". Engadget.
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