# Crytek UK

> British video game developer

**Wikidata**: [Q870122](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q870122)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Radical_Design)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/crytek-uk

## Summary
Crytek UK is a British video game developer, originally known as Free Radical Design, that was acquired by German company Crytek in 1999. It was later dissolved in 2014 after being acquired by Deep Silver, marking the end of its independent operations.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: 1999 (originally as Free Radical Design)
- **Country**: United Kingdom
- **Headquarters**: Nottingham
- **Industry**: Video game development
- **Owned by**: Crytek (1999–2014), later Deep Silver
- **Dissolved**: July 30, 2014
- **Notable works**: Produced the *TimeSplitters* series
- **Legal form**: Public limited company
- **Aliases**: Free Radical Design, Crytec UK, Free Radical Desgin

## FAQs
### Q: What was Crytek UK originally called?
A: Crytek UK was originally known as Free Radical Design before being acquired by Crytek in 1999.

### Q: Who owned Crytek UK before Deep Silver?
A: Crytek UK was owned by the German company Crytek from 1999 until its dissolution in 2014.

### Q: What games did Crytek UK develop?
A: Crytek UK is notable for developing the *TimeSplitters* series, a popular first-person shooter franchise.

### Q: When did Crytek UK shut down?
A: Crytek UK was dissolved on July 30, 2014, after being acquired by Deep Silver.

### Q: Where was Crytek UK based?
A: Crytek UK was headquartered in Nottingham, United Kingdom.

## Why It Matters
Crytek UK played a significant role in the British video game industry, particularly known for its contributions to the *TimeSplitters* series. As part of Crytek, it helped expand the company’s global presence, leveraging its expertise in fast-paced, action-oriented games. Its acquisition by Deep Silver in 2014 marked a transition in ownership, though the studio’s legacy lived on through its notable titles. The dissolution of Crytek UK highlighted the dynamic nature of the gaming industry, where studios often merge or dissolve due to industry consolidation.

## Notable For
- Developing the *TimeSplitters* series, a key franchise in the first-person shooter genre.
- Being acquired by Crytek in 1999, contributing to the German company’s expansion.
- Operating as a public limited company, reflecting its professional structure.
- Producing games that were well-received in the mid-2000s for their fast-paced gameplay.
- Being dissolved in 2014, marking the end of its independent operations.

## Body
### Origins and Acquisition
Crytek UK, originally known as Free Radical Design, was founded in 1999 and quickly became a notable British video game developer. The studio was acquired by the German company Crytek, which expanded its global footprint by incorporating Crytek UK’s expertise in action-oriented games.

### Notable Works
The studio is best known for developing the *TimeSplitters* series, a first-person shooter franchise that gained popularity in the mid-2000s. The games were praised for their fast-paced gameplay and innovative mechanics, solidifying Crytek UK’s reputation in the industry.

### Dissolution and Legacy
In 2014, Crytek UK was dissolved on July 30 after being acquired by Deep Silver. This marked the end of its independent operations, though its contributions to the gaming industry remained significant. The studio’s legacy lived on through its notable titles, which continued to be played and remembered by fans.

### Industry Impact
Crytek UK’s dissolution was part of a broader trend in the gaming industry, where studios often merge or dissolve due to industry consolidation. Its acquisition by Deep Silver reflected the growing globalization of the video game market, with companies seeking to expand their reach through strategic acquisitions.

## References

1. LastDodo
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. MusicBrainz
6. BabelNet
7. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Free_Radical_Design-5Z9JX3)
8. YouTube API
9. VideoGameGeek