In a statement released today by Sony, it was announced that SCE Studio Liverpool has been shut down. Founded as Psygnosis, the developer was best known for its work on the WipEout series.
“It has been decided that Liverpool Studio should be closed,” reads the statement. “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 WWSE and SCEE Departments.”
According to Eurogamer sources, Liverpool was making two PlayStation 4 games. One was a “dramatically different” WipEout title, while the other was said to be in the same vein as Splinter Cell and reportedly utilized motion-capture tech not unlike what Team Bondi used for LA Noire.
Sony closes WipEout developer Sony Liverpool [Eurogamer]
Sources: Sony Liverpool was working on WipEout PS4 and a Splinter Cell style game for PS4 [Eurogamer]
Full statement from Sony:
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 marketplace. 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 WWSE 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.
