Razorworks, the studio behind the Ford Racing series of titles for handhelds and home consoles, has been acquired by Rebellion Games.

Established in 1996, the 30-strong Razorworks team will now join Rebellion’s Oxford studio.

The move came after Silverstar-owned publisher Empire Interactive announced plans to sell off the development studio in a bid to reduce its staff headcount and cut costs.

“We’ve been keeping our eye on Razorworks since we bought Strangelight from Empire Interactive in 2006,” said Jason Kingsley, Rebellion’s CEO and creative director. “We heard some very good things about the set-up, the team and their approach, which is very similar to our own. So, when we had the opportunity to buy the studio, we seized it with both hands.”

Chris Kingsley, CTO of Rebellion added, “The Razorworks purchase is in line with our ambitious expansion plans. The Razorworks team will be joining us in the Oxford studio and will bring a raft of experience to our current and new projects. Razorworks will also be the focal point in expanding Rebellion knowledge base and portfolio.”

Rebellion has been responsible for titles including Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron, Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem and The Simpsons Game.