CiRCLE Studio signs first title with Capcom

The British development firm founded by former Core Design bosses Jeremy Heath-Smith and Adrian Smith, CiRCLE Studio, has announced that its first game, Without Warning, is set to be published by Capcom.

The Xbox and PS2 title is described as an action shooter and appears to be heavily influenced by popular TV series 24, telling the story of a terrorist siege on a US chemical plant from the perspective of six different characters.

The deal marks the first time that Capcom has ever published a title from a European studio, in a move which confirms the increasing interest of Japanese publishers in the European development market.

"As CiRCLE Studio's first title, Without Warning is momentous for both parties and compliments Capcom's own internally developed product line," according to Capcom Entertainment and CE Europe president Hiroshi Tobisawa. "The staff at CiRCLE Studio has a successful track record and will deliver again with a new title that provides an innovative and intense gameplay experience."

For his part, CiRCLE boss Jeremy Heath-Smith - who is best known as a founder of Core Design, the studio which created Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider series - is also delighted with the deal.

"Without Warning is CiRCLE Studio's flagship product and partnering with such a respected publisher will be invaluable toward its success," he said in a statement on the signing.