Sony’s Liverpool Studio Closes its Doors after 18 Years

Rumors floated around this morning indicating that Sony’s Liverpool studio, the team behind the WipEout games, was shutting down. Among the tweets and worried forum posts, Sony took to the stand and released an official statement, confirming the closure of the 18-year old studio.

“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.”

Sony’s Liverpool studio began in 1984 under the name Psygnosis, setting itself apart in the industry with its production of hit titles like Lemmings. Sony scooped up the studio in 1993, changing its name to Sony Liverpool. The team, from then on, focused on racing-focused games like Motorstorm, Formula 1, WRC, and of course, the futuristic WipEout franchise.

The team’s last project to see release was the launch title WipEout 2048 for the PlayStation Vita. Any and all future projects the developer had in the pipeline have been canned.

Our thoughts go out to those hard-working developers who were affected by this closure. We can’t thank you enough for the fun games you’ve given us.