Hello Games Hit By Devastating Flood
Hello Games is an Indie Studio based in Guildford best known for racing game Joe Danger. They were also a surprise hit at VGX 2013 after unveiling the amazing looking trailer for upcoming project No Mans Sky.
They have been hit badly by the flooding in Surrey and the current outcome is looking grim. The flood happened on Christmas Eve when the river Wey broke its banks. News got out when the team tweeted of the devastation.
Oh god. Water moves really quick. Hello Games has been totally flooded. Everything in the office has pretty much been lost :(
— Hello Games (@hellogames) December 24, 2013
A lifesize cardboard cut out of Joe Danger went floating past face down. Poor Joe. He's taking this the worst.
— Hello Games (@hellogames) December 24, 2013
Massive thanks to everyone who tried to help here today. We have learned that laptops float sometimes
— Hello Games (@hellogames) December 24, 2013
Further information came out the next day.
Ok so this is a weird Xmas day. Thank you to *everyone* for being lovely and thoughtful in this crappy time - now go enjoy your Christmas
— Hello Games (@hellogames) December 25, 2013
A river broke its bank nearby yesterday, and A LOT of water flooded in really quickly. A biblical amount. It was coming in the windows!
— Hello Games (@hellogames) December 25, 2013
We've lost most things - PCs, monitors, furniture, a door, a wall. You'd think the massive water cooled mega PC would be ok? It was not :(
— Hello Games (@hellogames) December 25, 2013
We're taking stock today, but already I know we'll come back stronger :) - all we'll need is a place to work and a machine to work on :)
— Hello Games (@hellogames) December 25, 2013
However it looks like the rebuild may take longer than expected after Hello Games updated us on the 28th with news that their insurance will NOT cover them for the damage.
BAD NEWS! Had a 'hilarious' call with insurer yesterday. Small print is if you are in a flood risk zone, you are not insured for flooding :(
— Hello Games (@hellogames) December 28, 2013
The team are an inspiration however and stay positive and strong through the devastation.
It's not just us but our neighbours as well - some people *live* in those houses. At least we get to go home at night...
— Hello Games (@hellogames) December 28, 2013
On a brighter note, no insurance means we can just wade in and start setting things straight! Hello Games assemble!
— Hello Games (@hellogames) December 28, 2013
Since the news the studio has received an amazing amount of support and well-wishes from fans. Many of the loyal fanbase have tried to spread word further and see how they can help. Phil Spencer, corporate VP of Microsoft Studios has responded to a fans tweet asking if they can help.
@GGhalid I received a few tweets on this. I'm going to look into it.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) December 25, 2013
The Hello Games team are currently with friends and donuts wading through the offices and posting photos of the flood damage on Twitter. They have not made any further announcements regarding rebuilding or funding.
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