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Sony Computer Ent. Acquires Evolution Studios & Bigbig Studios

Sony Computer Ent. has acquired leading game developer Evolution Studios Ltd and its subsidiary Bigbig Studios Ltd to further expand its game development capability as part of Sony Computer Ent.'s Worldwide Studios.

In a strategic move to secure excellence in game development for current and future PlayStation platforms, the acquisition of Evolution and Bigbig formalises the successful and long established exclusive relationship between Sony Computer Ent. and the two studios.

Evolution Studios, based in Runcorn, England, is the award-winning developer of MOTORSTORM, the million-selling #1 hit title PlayStation 3. Since its establishment in 1999, SCE has enjoyed a highly productive and commercially successful relationship with Evolution, which has shipped a title every year for six straight years. Evolution established its reputation as the successful developer of the WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP series on PlayStation 2, also published by SCE. The studio is currently working on the next installment of the MOTORSTORM franchise for PS3, scheduled for release in 2008 on Blu-ray Disc, along with content expansions for the original MOTORSTORM to be distributed via PlayStation Network.

Bigbig Studios, based in Leamington Spa, England, was founded in 2001 with backing from Evolution Studios and SCE and is the developer of the PURSUIT FORCE game for PSP, which has sold over 800,000 copies worldwide. The studio is currently working on the second title in the series, PURSUIT FORCE: EXTREME JUSTICE, which will be available in October this year for PSP and on PlayStation 2 early in 2008.

"Our strategy is to create the best games by working with the best talent and Evolution and Bigbig are world-class additions to our team," said Phil Harrison, President of SCE Worldwide Studios. "The incredible people in these studios further extend the depth and skill of the industry's largest platform-exclusive development resource".

Following the acquisition, Mick Hocking, Managing Director of Evolution Studios, will also be appointed Group Studio Director for the three Studios; SCE WWS Liverpool Studio, Evolution and Bigbig, reporting directly to SCE WWS VP, Michael Denny.

Studios across the WWS network share technology, production methodology and creative goals to build the best possible experiences for users to enjoy the most from the PlayStation family of hardware platforms and network services. With more than 2,500 employees, SCE Worldwide Studios combines the talents of 15 game development studios in Japan, the U.S., the U.K. and The Netherlands.

SCE World Wide Studios was formed on Sept. 1, 2005 in order to secure, strengthen and further develop game development and publishing activities for the PlayStation range of game and entertainment consoles. SCE WWS is responsible for the global creative, technical and strategic direction setting of development and production of computer entertainment software for the PlayStation family.

Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Ent. Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the PlayStation game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP handheld entertainment system and PlayStation 3.

Sony Computer Ent. Europe (SCEE), based in London, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and sales of PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 and PSP software and hardware in 102 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. SCEE also develops, publishes, markets and distributes entertainment software for these formats, and manages the third party licensing programs for the formats in these territories.

Bill Desowitz's picture

Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.

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