Sony has recently closed one of their UK studios, Liverpool, which is famous for the Psygnosis and Wipeout games. The studio had been around for more than 30 years, but unfortunately that rein has come to an end.
This of course leaves the future of the Wipeout franchise in a worrying position, one where it’s a full possibility that we might not ever see the franchise return. A minutes silence almost seems fitting as one of the studios responsible for many of my favorite childhood games comes to an end.
Sony issued the following statement:
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.
