Codies acquire popular codeshop

Codemasters have acquired Sensible Software and all the rights to their back catalogue for an undisclosed sum. For those that don't know who they are, Sensible Software were regarded as one of the finest development houses a few years ago. They produced some inspirational, innovative titles including Wizkid, Parallax, Mega lo Mania, Cannon Fodder and Sensible Soccer. And Sensible Golf. Sensible's founder and director, Jon Hare, will be working with Codemasters on a series of new games.

"For Sensible Software to continue developing games true to their heritage, the only way forward was to allow them to be integrated into a like-minded company that is financially equipped and capable of successfully handling commercial games development into the next millennium," said John Hare.

"Codemasters are the perfect adoptive parent for Sensible Software. With their track record of producing quality, innovative software, Codemasters are very well equipped to provide a new home, enabling the colourful Sensible legacy to continue. I'm very happy to be working with one of the largest surviving independent British developers and publishers".

Nick Wheelwright, managing director of Codemasters, said: "There are many parallels in terms of game design and development priorities between Codemasters and Sensible Software and there's a great deal of respect for Sensible Software's 12-year history. Having Jon as part of our internal development expertise means a lot to Codemasters; his originality in game design will add an inspirational aspect to our plans for future games and add to the successful growth of the Codemasters group".

Hopefully, the partnership will produce something rather better than the abominable Sensible Soccer 2000 which appeared on the PlayStation recently. It was bad.