Publisher of the recently launched trans-media MMO Defiance has revealed that its San Diego office, which incidentally developed the MMO, has now been shut down. The publisher confirmed the news to Joystiq, stating that "day to day operations of Defiance will be moved to our Redwood City studio."

"We can confirm that the San Diego studio will be closing. The day to day operations of Defiance will be moved to our Redwood City studio where it can be managed alongside Rift and our other in development titles including ArcheAge and End of Nations. As part of this transition, we are working hard to ensure that a number of great people will be making the move from San Diego to the Bay Area and continue their work at Trion."

Trion Worlds has also confirmed that ex-COO Scott Hartsman has returned to take over the role as CEO, after originally leaving back in January. He replaces former CEO Lars Buttler, who remains a Trion board member.

According to Gamasutra, Hartsman revealed to employees today that "we’re going to rapidly be laying the groundwork for a new strategy at Trion—one that’s closer to the foundation of how we’ve had our wins so far, and then extending that base into the enduring success this company can, and will, be.”

AusGamers wishes those affected by the closures are able to get back on their feet as quickly as possible.