Did mismanagement kill Team Bondi?

The Australian studio responsible for one of 2011’s most ambitious releases has closed its doors. As reported by Smart Company, L.A. Noire developer Team Bondi has entered into voluntary administration.

The studio’s Rockstar published open world detective drama, which utilised elaborate motion-capture technology, spent an agonising seven years in development. Though it eventually became a bestseller, it is now clear that Team Bondi had dug itself into a hole from which there could be no escape.

There will likely be mixed feelings about the studio’s closure, which was notorious for its poor working conditions. When questioned in May about the punishing hours inflicted on his L.A. Noire developers, Team Bondi founder Brendan McNamara was dismissive, telling IGN that “If you wanted to do a nine-to-five job, you’d be in another business.”

The company was also criticised for its handling of L.A. Noire’s professional credits. According to a website set up by an anonymous Team Bondi employee, more than 100 former workers were excluded or incorrectly credited.

While McNamara’s management style is unlikely to be missed, the closure of Team Bondi constitutes another blow to a local industry reeling from the loss of Krome Studios, Transmission Games and Blue Tongue Entertainment.

If you were involved with Team Bondi and wish to express a view on these developments, please contact us.