Empire Interactive, the publisher behind the FlatOut series of popular games is apparently entering administration as bids to stay afloat look doomed.

Official word is expected soon, but news on the grape vine via MCV reveals that London-based staff have been sent home with redundancies on the cards.

Apparently, Empire has been seeking a buyer for some weeks, but the situation now looks bleak with all staff now facing up to the potential collapse of the company.

Rumour has it that Russian publisher Noviy Disk were attempting to secure the acquisition of the firm, but this deal has now fallen through too.

We'll bring you more on Empire as official details are sighted.

By Luke Guttridge