The video game world received a shock when Microsoft Game Studios announced that it would be closing down Ensemble Studios after the completion of Halo Wars. Apparently, we weren't the only ones who were surprised, as Ensemble's Bruce Shelley has explained that the studio had no idea that the move was coming.

"Everyone at our studio was shocked, and I think remains very disappointed that this is going to happen," Shelley wrote on his blog. "I believe we thought we were immune to shut-down talk because our published games have done so well and have been so profitable. Plus we felt we had built a really stable (low-turnover), talented, hard-working, and creative team, which is not easy to do. We thought we were among the best studios in the world, and that may be true, but we don’t fit in the future plans of MGS as an internal studio, so we’re out."

He then went on to reiterate what MGS has said previously, that Ensemble was closed for purely financial reasons. Apparently, Ensemble is the most expensive first-party studio to run per-person, and this was one of the major deciding factors. Shelley did say, however, that a new studio will be formed soon after the impending closing.

"Studio head Tony Goodman has a plan to start a new independent studio following the end of ES and a number of the existing ES employees have been offered a position in this company," he explained. "He felt he had to get a plan for that in place... so that all employees can know where they stand and begin making plans for their futures. I believe the spirit and mission of ES will be carried forward in this new company if enough of the key leaders agree to take part, which I expect to happen."

While it's sad to see a great studio close its doors, it looks as though the core of Ensemble will be staying together with the formation of this new studio. Unfortunately, it looks as though Shelley—who was one the key creators behind the Age of Empires franchise—will not be joining them. "I do not expect to be part of the new company formed after ES is shut down."