Rockstar Vancouver, the studio most recently known for its work on Max Payne 3, has been closed, according to Take Two Interactive. 35 staffers were part of the team prior to its closure, though the good news is that they haven't just been cut from Rockstar outright. However, they may need to look into relocation services should they decide to remain with the company.
That's because Rockstar has at the same time opened a new studio in Oakville, Ontario, and invited any of the Vancouver staffers to move to the new office, as well as any other Rockstar studio currently in need of staff.
Why make this move in the first place? Because of tax credits, of course. The Ontario government has made a deal with Rockstar to provide a hospitable financial environment for them to expand their existing Toronto team. Up to 50 staffers will be housed in the new Oakville office, including any of the Vancouver team that wants to join up.
Forced relocation deals are never exactly fun for the people being forcibly relocated, but at least in this case, the former Vancouver staffers have some options at their disposal. Hopefully they all get settled soon enough.
In related news, I should probably finish Max Payne 3 at some point, shouldn't I?