Bizarre Creations created the exciting Blur video game.
This game was first shown in 2009 by Megarom Interactive. It mixed real settings with fun arcade driving. The team, led by Martyn Chudley, wanted to make racing fun for everyone.
Blur’s world has real cars racing in places like Los Angeles and Barcelona, Spain. It combines classic racing with fun power-ups. Up to 20 people can play online, making it a blast. You can also tailor the game to your liking and join a large community.
Activision Publishing really supported Blur. Maria Stipp from Activision was thrilled to work with Bizarre Creations. Blur was made for Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3, or PC. It promises to be a memorable racing game.
Introduction to the Blur Game
Blur was released in May 2010 by Bizarre Creations. It brought a fresh mix to racing games. It’s like “Mario Kart with BMWs and neon,” mixing fast racing and cool power-ups.
Overview of the Game
Blur is all about action-packed racing. It lets up to 20 cars race together, using cool power-ups. You could use things like Barge, Bolt, and Mine to beat others. Players could hold three power-ups at once, adding fun to the race.
The game lets you race with friends on one screen or with others online. Winning needs smart power-up use and finding secret paths. Choosing the right car for each track’s challenges is also key.
Initial Reception
Blur was praised and got a 9 out of 10 in our review. It was Activision’s top new game of 2010. But, competing with big games like Red Dead Redemption made selling hard. Even with great multiplayer, it didn’t sell as expected.
The game’s low sales led to Bizarre Creations closing in February 2011. This was a big loss, as said by Gareth Wilson. Even without a sequel, Blur is still loved by many players.
The Creative Minds: Bizarre Creations
Bizarre Creations was a big name in gaming. They were known for their new ways to make video games. The studio started its creative path long ago. It became famous with games like Blur and the Project Gotham Racing series.
The Founding of Bizarre Creations
It began as “Raising Hell Software” in 1988. Later, in 1994, it became Bizarre Creations. Martyn Chudley founded it. The studio became a leader in making unique video games. The new name started a chapter that changed gaming forever.
Previous Works and Achievements
Bizarre Creations’ first big game was Formula 1. It was the best-selling PS1 game in Europe. They made more hit racing games after that. They created games like the Project Gotham Racing series, Fur Fighters, and Geometry Wars. These games showed the studio’s talent in making fun and tough games that gamers loved.
They teamed up with Activision on September 26, 2007. This move helped them make more racing games. But, Bizarre Creations closed on February 18, 2011. This led to 200 people losing their jobs. Yet, their creative spirit didn’t end. Many former workers started new companies like Lucid Games. This keeps the spirit of Bizarre Creations alive.
Below is a table showing Bizarre Creations’ big moments:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1988 | Founded as “Raising Hell Software” |
| 1994 | Renamed to Bizarre Creations |
| 1996 | Release of Formula 1 |
| 2007 | Acquired by Activision |
| 2011 | Disestablished by Activision |
The Development Journey of Blur
The game Blur’s development was full of careful planning and new ideas. They wanted to change the racing game world. Although the team first thought Blur would be a seven out of 10 game, they spent six more months improving it. This hard work can be seen in the game’s cool features and creative details.
Conceptualization and Planning
When making Blur, the team focused on making it unlike other racing games. They mixed real racing with fun arcade bits. This blend included real car dynamics, cool power-ups, and battles on wheels. There are over 50 licensed cars and 30 places to race, like Barcelona, Tokyo, and San Francisco.
In races, players can find eight different power-ups. These can protect or attack. They could stash up to three power-ups to use later, adding strategy. The solo mode of the game had players challenge nine “bosses” across various races and destruction events.
Key Features and Innovations
Blur was special for its new ideas. One big innovation was a social network built into the game. This feature let players connect, battle, and set up their multiplayer races. The leaderboard also showed friends’ best times, boosting competition among pals.
Blur’s vehicle fights and power-ups were also key in multiplayer. Up to 20 people could play online, while four could play together in the same room. Players could also upgrade their cars and change how they looked. This personal touch improved the gaming experience as players moved up through different car levels.
Blur was very successful and got great reviews. It was the second-best racing game of 2010 according to 4Players. Critics’ and players’ scores show it was a hit and reached its development aims.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensed Vehicles | Over 50 licensed vehicles add realism and variety. |
| Power-Ups | Eight different power-ups for offensive and defensive strategies. |
| Locations | 30 racing venues worldwide including Barcelona and Tokyo. |
| Multiplayer Modes | Online mode supports 20 players; offline mode supports 4 players. |
| Leaderboard | Displays friends’ best times to promote social competition. |
| Career Mode | Single-player mode with nine unique “bosses” and diverse events. |
The Role of Activision in Blur’s Production
Activision was key in making Blur. They saw potential in the game’s new ideas. This support helped turn Blur from a plan into a game players could enjoy.
Activision publishing and Bizarre Creations worked well together. Activision’s big network helped Blur reach fans worldwide. The game came out in North America, Australia, and Europe on specific dates in May 2010.
Activision did more than just fund Blur. Their leaders, like Maria Stipp, inspired the game’s developers. This encouragement led to new features in Blur, like Power-Ups and a fun social media feature.
Blur got good reviews but faced tough competition. It sold 31,000 units in its first five days in the US. Sadly, it sold only 500,000 units in total. A planned sequel was canceled when Bizarre Creations closed in February 2011.
Overall, Activision publishing had a big part in creating Blur. Their work with Bizarre Creations made Blur a notable game.
| Region | Release Date |
|---|---|
| North America | May 25, 2010 |
| Australia | May 26, 2010 |
| Europe | May 28, 2010 |
| Platform | Score |
| PC | 81/100 (Metacritic) |
| PS3 | 81/100 (Metacritic) |
| Xbox 360 | 82/100 (Metacritic) |
| Xbox 360 | 8/10 (Edge) |
| PS3 | 29/40 (Famitsu) |
| Xbox 360 | 31/40 (Famitsu) |
| All Platforms | 7.5/10 (GameZone) |
Who created Blur game?
The game Blur was made by the smart folks at Bizarre Creations. This team was known for their top-notch video game work, especially in racing games. They made Project Gotham Racing before. Making Blur added another big win to their list.
The Core Team
Martyn Chudley led the Blur team as the Creative Director. He and his team paid attention to every part of the game. They mixed real racing with fun power-ups. This mix made Blur stand out.
Key Contributors
Many skilled people worked together on Blur. Design leaders thought up the game’s cool levels and power-ups. Coders built a strong game engine for smooth play on computers and consoles like Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Artists and writers made the game’s world exciting.
- Creative Director: Martyn Chudley
- Design Leads: Innovators in level design and game mechanics
- Programmers: Engine development and performance optimization
- Artists and Writers: Visual and narrative elements
This talented group was crucial to making Blur. They worked hard to make sure the game was amazing. They helped keep Bizarre Creations at the top in racing games.
The Legacy and Impact of Blur
The release of Blur marked an important time for racing games.
It took two years to make. It mixed real driving with fun arcade elements.
Blur was special because it had things like Barge, Mines, Nitro, Shunt, and Shock.
This made it different and loved.
Blur’s Influence on Racing Games
Blur blended tough racing with cool power-ups.
This made arcade racing more popular. It had a single-player mode and multiplayer modes for up to 20 people online.
It brought new fun to racing games. Other games tried to copy its mix of fun and strategy.
Cult Following and Community Support
Blur didn’t get a sequel, but it still has fans.
People love its unique features a lot. These include a social network story, custom races, and special power-ups.
The multiplayer mode keeps players coming back.
It shows Blur’s lasting love.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Development Period | 2 Years |
| Car Models | 50 Licensed Cars |
| Power-Ups | Barge, Mines, Nitro, Shunt, Shock |
| Multiplayer Modes | Up to 20 Players Online, 4 Players Split-Screen |
| Publisher | Activision |
| Platforms | Xbox 360, PS3, PC |
Bizarre Creations wanted their game to be fun and fast.
Blur’s legacy as a top arcade racer lives on.
Even though the studio closed and sales were low, fans still support it.
This shows how special Blur is in racing game history.
Conclusion
Blur shows the great work of Bizarre Creations and Activision. It was released in 2010. This game stood out with its amazing visuals and deep feelings. But, it didn’t sell as well as hoped. This was because it came out at the same time as other racing games. Yet, Blur has left a lasting mark on future racing games.
The game mixed power-ups in a new way. These included speed boosts and protective shields. This made Blur different from normal racing games. It used lighting to create a unique look. This look made players and critics happy. People often compare it to Mario Kart. But, Blur made its own special spot in gaming.
Blur’s success can be seen in its high ratings. It scored 82/100 on Xbox 360 and 81/100 on PlayStation 3 and PC. It also has a strong group of fans. In 2011, Activision closed Bizarre Creations. They also canceled a planned sequel. This was a sad moment in gaming. But the game lived on with Blur Overdrive in 2013. This mobile game captured the essence of Blur. Blur proves that well-made racing games remain beloved. It keeps inspiring and entertaining new players.
FAQ
Who developed the Blur game?
Bizarre Creations worked with Activision Publishing to develop Blur.
What is Blur’s gameplay like?
Blur mixes real car racing with arcade power-ups. It offers an exciting race with smart use of power-ups.
How was the initial reception of Blur?
The game was praised for mixing real racing and power-ups. It’s liked for its blend of real driving and arcade battles.
Who founded Bizarre Creations?
Martyn Chudley founded Bizarre Creations.
What are some of the previous works by Bizarre Creations?
The company was known for the Project Gotham Racing series before Blur.
What was the focus during the conceptualization and planning of Blur?
In making Blur, the goal was fun and energetic play. They combined real racing with arcade-like power-ups.
What are some of the key features and innovations in Blur?
Blur brought weapon-based fights, strategic play, and a new multiplayer community interface.
What role did Activision play in Blur’s production?
Activision helped with resources, support, and marketing. They got Blur to meet its creative aims and compete in the market.
Who were the key contributors in the development of Blur?
The team had gifted folks from Bizarre Creations. This included design leaders, programmers, artists, and writers, led by Martyn Chudley.
How did Blur influence the racing game genre?
Blur mixed traditional racing with new power-ups and social parts. It made racing games more fun and full of strategy.
Does Blur have a cult following and community support?
Yes, Blur has a strong cult following and community support. Fans love its unique features and the social side of multiplayer racing.
