Sony Liverpool to close in latest batch of games industry job cuts

Sony: '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.'

SCE Studio Liverpool, the development house previously known as Psygnosis before being acquired by Sony in 1993, is to close its doors, some 28 years after the studio was first founded by Ian Hetherington and David Lawson.

Most famously known for its WipEout series of futuristic racing games, the most recent of which was PS Vita’s WipEout 2048, the Wavertree-based studio in its various guises had also been responsible for such classics as G-Police, Shadow of the Beast, Colony Wars and Lemmings.

An official statement released by Sony read:

‘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.’

A comment on the official WipEout 2048 Facebook page says simply:

‘As some of you may have heard Sony have chosen to close Studio Liverpool as of today. This page will no longer be maintained by the WipEout Team.’

‘We have loved making every game, every minute and every one of you. Keep the faith, keep loving WipEout.’

‘Thank you for everything, Pilots. It’s been an amazing journey and we’ll miss you. x’

A sad day for sure for British games development.