Sony shuts down 'Wipeout' studio in Liverpool ahead of PS4 launch

Sony has officially closed down their Liverpool games studio. Back in..

15:57 23 August 2012

Sony has officially closed down their Liverpool games studio. Back in 1984 Psygnosis was one of the most successful independent games developers, before being bought out by Japanese company Sony in 1993 and being rebranded as Sony Liverpool later on. 

 

Sony Liverpool employed about 100 workers. The last project they worked on was 'Wipeout 2048' which was released on the PS Vita this January.

 

Historically, its earliest hits included 'Barbarian' and 'Shadow of the Beast' for the Amiga and Atari ST. The company also found fame and international exposure by publishing mega-hit 'Lemmings'.

 

After the Sony/Playstation takeover, the studio became well known for its 'Wipeout' series of futuristic racing games. 

 

Until now, it was believed that a new 'Wipeout' title would be bundled with the forthcoming PS4 console as a starter pack. 

 

A statement released by the company to the games site Kotaku said: "We do regular reviews to ensure that the resources we have can create and produce high quality, innovative and commercially viable projects in an increasingly competitive market place.

 

"It has been decided that Liverpool Studio should be closed. Liverpool Studio has been an important part of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios since the outset of PlayStation, and has contributed greatly to PlayStation over the years. Everyone connected with Liverpool Studio, past and present, can be very proud of their achievements.

 

"However, it was felt that by focusing our investment plans on other studios that are currently working on exciting new projects, we would be in a stronger position to offer the best possible content for our consumers."

 

It is believed that some staff will be retained for future projects but others will be lost. 

 

A message on the game's Facebook page from the team said: "Thank you for everything, Pilots. It's been an amazing journey and we'll miss you."

 

The news comes just as Sony Mobile announced that it will move its main headquarters to Tokyo at the cost of 1,000 staff cuts.