L.A. Noire developer shuttered

The success enjoyed by L.A. Noire at retail both in North America and Europe should have brought good things to Australian developer Team Bondi, but shortly after the release of the well-received crime adventure came unfortunate reports that all was not well at the studio throughout L.A. Noire's protracted development.  In addition to the poor working conditions that even studio head Brendan McNamara wouldn't downplay, Team Bondi's relations with publisher Take Two reportedly soured as L.A. Noire's production neared its deadline.

Now the saga of Team Bondi may be drawing to a close.  News wires in Australia have discovered that Team Bondi has been "placed into adminstration", which usually only happens when a company becomes insolvent or bankrupt and an adminstrator must assume control of its property, and its studio now put up for lease.  Advertisements for Team Bondi's former studio space, "available for the first time in over 5 years", have already appeared.

These point to Team Bondi's closure, but rumors began floating around as early as last month suggesting that the studio's IP and assets have already been sold off, and its remaining staff (including McNamara himself) were offered positions at another studio based in Sydney, possibly KMM Games.

Publisher Take Two reportedly saw fit to play an increasing role in L.A. Noire's production during the latter phases of the title's development due to its dissatisfaction with Team Bondi's progess, much to the chagrin of McNamara.  Take Two may well be holding the torch for the L.A. Noire franchise at this point, and there is no word of any change in plans for the upcoming PC version of the game.