Rumour - Rogue Warrior dev Rebellion Derby closes doors [Update]

We're hearing strong talk that Rogue Warrior developer Rebellion Derby - previously the original Tomb Raider studio, Core Design - has been closed down.

Rebellion has just declined to provide a comment on the phone and the talk is as yet unconfirmed.

Staff were apparently told the news today.

The studio is responsible for both the recently released Rogue Warrior and Vietnam shooter Shellshock 2.

Rebellion purchased Core from SCi in 2006.

Rebellion boss Jason Kingsley said at the time, "Core's development studio is one of the UK industry's major success stories and we're delighted to have completed the deal with Eidos."

Rebellion also has offices in Oxford and Liverpool.

It's currently readying for the February release of Aliens Vs Predator with Sega. AvP's being developed at the Oxford studio.

Update: Just received the following:

REBELLION GROUP POSITIONS ITSELF FOR GROWTH IN 2010

Leading independent videogames developer Rebellion today announced that corporate restructuring will take advantage of the expanded facilities at their Oxford Head Quarters and the Runcorn studio. The Derby facility, acquired from Eidos, is coming to the end of its lease, and staff are being consulted on its future.

Jason Kingsley, CEO and Creative Director of Rebellion said, "We are very excited about the expansion of our Oxford offices, the home of Aliens vs. Predator. Recruitment is ongoing both in Oxford and in Runcorn. However, growth is sometimes painful, never more so than in the current climate and we have had to take a long hard look at how we operate our studio network. Strategically we have decided to review the need for the Derby facilities, and consultation with staff at Derby is ongoing.”

A further announcement on the restructuring of the Rebellion studio network will be made in the coming weeks.

Update 2: We've just been sent another quote:

Jason Kingsley, CEO Rebellion, says "No-one has been made redundant by Rebellion in more than a decade, and the Derby studio is very much still open while we conduct the review. We are currently undergoing a process of consultancy with our staff to get their ideas, and establish the best possible future for the Derby studio."