INTERNATIONAL electronics giant Sony is closing Runcorn games computer company Evolution Studios.

The announcement means compulsory redundancies at the video games developer on Kings Court in Manor Park.

The business was founded in 1999 by partners Martin Kenwright and Ian Hetherington.

Sony bought the company in 2007 for a reported £16 million.

The Japanese firm said Evolution said the closure follows a review of its European operations.

The company said it is 'regrettable' the move will lead to 'compulsory redundancies'.

It follows the loss of 55 jobs, around half the team’s employees, last year.

In a statement, Sony said: “We accept that this decision will mean that we risk losing high calibre staff.

“But by focusing on other studios that already have exciting new projects in development we believe we will be in a stronger position going forward and able to offer the best possible content of the highest quality for our consumers.

“Where possible we will try to reallocate people onto other projects.”

If appropriate opportunities are not possible within the company, Sony pledged to help staff find work with other employers.

Evolution specialised in racing games and created the successful World Rally Championship in 2001 with multiple sequels.

In 2006, it launched the off-road racer MotorStorm franchise for the PlayStation 2 and 3 before it was acquired by Sony in 2007.

However, its latest game, Driveclub, has had a troubled history.

The game, designed to allow six players to form a club and race rival teams on the internet, was repeatedly delayed.

When it was finally released in October 2014, its computer servers struggled to meet demand and plans to offer a free cut down version to PlayStation Plus subscribers had to be delayed.

Sales eventually surpassed two million.

After the closure was announced, game director on Driveclub Paul Rustchynsky said on Twitter: “I hope you will all join me in celebrating Evolution by picking up a pad, throwing on your favourite Evo game and giving us a victory lap.”

Evolution’s community manager Jamie Brayshaw reassured fans on Twitter that Driveclub will “live on” at PlayStation.