SCEA Acquires Zipper Interactive (PSPUpdates)
Sony Computer Entertainment announced today its acquisition of long-time development partner, Zipper Interactive.Noted
for their prolific military shooter franchise "SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs,"
Zipper joins the newly formed SCE Worldwide Studios. Its second studio
purchase in as many months, Sony recently acquired Guerilla B.V. in
December of 2005.
Zipper Interactive is headquartered in Redmond,
Washington and develops award-winning titles for the PlayStation 2 and
PlayStation Portable entertainment systems. Seeking an exclusive lock
on the SOCOM franchise, the two comapnies entered into an exclusive
development contract this month.
While the financial terms of the agreement went undisclosed, Zipper Interactive CEO commented on the Sony deal:
"We
were first drawn to Sony Computer Entertainment by their vision for
growing the videogame industry," said Jim Bosler, president and CEO,
Zipper Interactive. "We've enjoyed an incredible relationship with SCE
for more than six years. This has allowed us to combine our cutting
edge technical and design capabilities with SCE's creative insights and
extraordinary support to become the leader in the online console
multiplayer field. As a part of the Sony Computer Entertainment group
we can look forward to introducing innovative titles that push online
functionality and community experiences even further."