THQ Nordic hires TimeSplitters co-creator to work on franchise return Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. THQ Nordic hires TimeSplitters co-creator to work on franchise return As ex-Free Radical studio takes over Dead Island 2. News by Tom Phillips Deputy Editor Updated on 14 Aug 2019 33 comments Former Rare and Free Radical Design veteran Steve Ellis has joined THQ Nordic to work on whatever's next for TimeSplitters. Ellis is described by THQ Nordic as co-creator of the much-loved, much-missed British shooter franchise - which the publisher snapped up from former owner Crytek this time last year. In a press release today, THQ Nordic said Ellis had "joined us to help plot the future course for this franchise". It's unknown what a new TimeSplitters game might look like now - a sequel? a remake? - or who else from that original team nearly two decades ago may return. Crytek held the TimeSplitters rights for years after rescuing developer Free Radical Design from bankruptcy, but never found time to do anything with them. Here's hoping something moves forward now. Watch on YouTube In related news, Deep Silver Dambuster Studios - what became of Free Radical Design after Crytek sold up - has become the latest developer to take on Dead Island 2. Development on the sequel has ping-ponged between different studios since its announcement at E3 2014. Originally expected from Dead Island creator Techland, it was officially announced as in development with Spec Ops: The Line studio Yager in charge. This lasted around a year, until Yager departed the project in summer 2015. Early 2016 brought news UK outfit Sumo Digital was now in charge, although in the three years since nothing has ever materialised. Today's release also mentions THQ Nordic has formalised its relationship with Darksiders studio Gunfire and snapped up the studio, along with MotoGP developer Milestone. Phew. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 61 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 4 Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 11 Latest Articles Digital Foundry Sennheiser's legendary HD 599 open-back headphones are just £70 at Amazon in the Prime Early Access Sale Comfortable with neutral sound and a wide sound stage. Preview Football Manager's new Console edition is the best you'll get without a PC Getting Touch-right. 1 Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 61 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store