WipEout: Sony To Close Liverpool Games Development Studio

Big Blow For UK Games Industry
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Sony is reportedly planning to close its Studio Liverpool games development offices.

Founded as Psygnosis in 1984, Studio Liverpool employed about 100 people.

Recently, the studio was known primarily as the developer of the Wipeout series, which has appeared on every major Sony platform since 1995. The most recent title was WipEout 2048 for the PS Vita, Sony's troubled handheld upgrade.

In previous years (and incarnations) it won fame as the publishers of the iconic Lemmings series, as well as the Discworld games, several Formula 1titles, and the Shadow of the Beast series.

Sony said in a statement:

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.

The amount of jobs lost is not known, but CVG reports Sony is looking at relocating many of its employees.

Sandy Lobban, an audio designer at the studio said via Twitter: