Elixir Studios

The company was founded on 7 July 1998{{cite web|url=http://republic.strategyplanet.gamespy.com/elixir2.shtml|title=Elixir's Formation - Part 2|last=Mayer|first=Jonathan|publisher=GameSpy|accessdate=2025-01-26|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070630080914/http://republic.strategyplanet.gamespy.com/elixir2.shtml|archivedate=2007-06-30}} by Demis Hassabis, formerly a prominent figure at Lionhead Studios. After failing to secure venture capital at acceptable terms, Hassabis had pitched his startup to 15 different publishers at E3 1998 in Atlanta, eventually signing a three-game deal with Eidos Interactive. At its height, Elixir had employed around sixty people, and was based in London. It aimed to be an independent developer, creating its own intellectual properties rather than licensing established ones. The company's first game, Republic: The Revolution, was released in 2003, and a second game, Evil Genius, was released in 2004.{{cite web|url=http://www.strategyinformer.com/company/elixir-studios.html|title=Games Developed by Elixir Studios|publisher=Strategy Informer|accessdate=8 April 2013}}

In 2005, however, the company announced that it would be closing. This followed the cancellation of development on a major project due to its "perceived high-risk", which had been underway for two years. The company, citing "the current risk averse publishing climate", concluded that its goal of exploring new territory was not possible. In a press release, Hassabis said: "It seems that today's games industry no longer has room for small independent developers wanting to work on innovative and original ideas. ... [T]his was the sole purpose of setting up Elixir and something we could never compromise on." Elixir stated that it had sufficient resources to pay redundancy packages to its staff and ensure that the company was wound down in an orderly manner.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/elixir-studios-to-close-following-cancellation-of-key-project|title=Elixir Studios to close following cancellation of key project|last=Fahey|first=Rob |date=28 April 2005|publisher=Game Industry|accessdate=2008-09-25}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/elixir-studios-to-close-doors|title=Elixir Studios To Close Doors|last=Jenkins|first=David |author2=Simon Carless|date=28 April 2005|publisher=GamaSutra|access-date=2008-09-25}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fragland.net/news/Elixir-Studios-is-no-more/10531/|title=Elixir Studios is no more|author=Ryuken|date=18 April 2005|publisher=Fragland|accessdate=2008-09-25}}{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/36796|title=Elixir Studios Closes|last=Goldstein|first=Maarten |date=28 April 2005|publisher=ShackNews|accessdate=2008-09-25}}

Rebellion Developments bought Elixir's intellectual property in March 2006, including Evil Genius.{{cite web|url=http://www.n1nj4.com/viewtopic.php?p=185733#185733|title=Rebellion – Bought EG Rights!|author=Alex|date=2 March 2006|accessdate=2008-09-25|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405043739/http://www.n1nj4.com/viewtopic.php?t=5624&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=60&sid=c83e75eed10c92d1a283a4178b82fd5f|archive-date=2016-04-05}}{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=142966|title=Demis Hassabis, part two|last=Sefton|first=Jamie |date=14 July 2006|publisher=Computer and Video Games|accessdate=2008-09-25}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/rebellion-acquires-vivendi-licenses-considers-new-franchise-titles|title= Rebellion Acquires Vivendi Licenses, Considers New Franchise Titles|last=Remo|first=Chris |date=14 July 2009|publisher=GamaSutra|access-date=8 December 2009}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Lionhead Studios}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Defunct video game companies of the United Kingdom

Category:Video game development companies

Category:Video game companies established in 1998

Category:Video game companies disestablished in 2005

Category:Defunct companies based in London

Category:1998 establishments in England

Category:2005 disestablishments in England

{{UK-videogame-company-stub}}