The lights are on
Sony has closed its Liverpool studio, saying the closure was part of a larger restructuring within the company. SCE Studio Liverpool was founded known as Psygnosis before it was purchase by Sony and renamed. The studio had a long string of well-known titles since its 1984 founding, developing the Wipeout series and publishing games including Shadow of the Beast, Demolition Derby, and Lemmings.
Eurogamer is reporting that Studio Liverpool had been working on a new Wipeout game for the past year, and it was slated for release on the still officially unannounced PlayStation 4. In addition to that title, which was described as being a departure from previous games in the futuristic-racing series, the studio was reportedly working on a Splinter Cell-like title.
Sony released the following official statement, which was posted by Edge Online:
"As part of SCE Worldwide Studios, 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. As part of this process, we have reviewed and assessed all current and planned projects for the short- and medium-term and have decided to make some changes to our European Studios.
"It has been decided that Liverpool Studio should be closed. Liverpool Studio has been an important part of SCE Worldwide Studios since the outset of PlayStation, and have 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.
"Our Liverpool Facility will continue to operate, housing a number of other vital WWS!E and SCEE Departments.
"This should not take anything away from the great work WWS are doing and the incredible games and services that we have made, and continue to make, both for this coming year and further in the future."
[Via: CVG]
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Well that's unfortunate. Lot of closings lately with THQ and PopCap and now Liverpool. I hope those affected land on their feet.
http://nooooooooooooooo.com/
West Brom 3 - 0 Liverpool. That's the real reason.
That's a shame. I've been wishing they'd redo the 'Colony Wars' series for a long time. :(
aww i like the wipeout series.
What'll happen to the Wipeout series now?
Aww, what? I *just* became a noob on Wipeout 2048 on my Vita. I also feel sad for those employees.
On no wipeout is my favorite racing series! It's a shame that Sony decided to close down Liverpool
Best wishes to the employees
This is kind of depressing for me. Psygnosis was one of my favorite developers in the Playstation 1 era, and colony Wars still stands as one of my favorite games of all time. However, this studio has been underutilized for years and Sony closing it now just seems like the quietest of deaths for a studio whose best days were long since gone. It is a shame. Hopefully the employees are able to get back on their feet soon.
They made the best F1 game (F1: Championship Edition) that I ever played :/
I feel sorry for the people who keep losing their jobs in the gaming world...
Not Wipeout! I just bought 2048 a couple days ago...