6th August 2011 - Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) announced a couple of days ago that leading game developer and long-time partner Sucker Punch Productions, creators of the top-selling Sly Cooper and inFamous franchises, joins the global development operation of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS). The addition of Sucker Punch Productions furthers SCE’s long-term commitment to creative excellence in game development exclusively on PlayStation platforms and marks the sixteenth studio to join the SCE WWS family.
Based in Bellevue, Washington, Sucker Punch Productions is the award-winning developer of the Sly Cooper series for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system and the inFamous franchise on the PlayStation3 computer entertainment system, with combined franchise sales surpassing seven million units worldwide. Best known for signature creative talents, including award winning animation and art direction, visual style, immersive storylines, strong characters and highly interactive worlds, Sucker Punch has created some of the most successful games in PlayStation history.
Building on an already strong working relationship between Sucker Punch and Sony Computer Entertainment America, the aquisition brings a studio that has pioneered open world technology innovation formally into the PlayStation family and adds another creative force within SCE WWS. Its day-to-day operations will continue to be run by the current management team and company founders in conjunction with SCE WWS Foster City Studio. Financial terms of this arrangement are not disclosed.
“Sucker Punch Productions is one of the most highly acclaimed development studios in the industry and we have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the company for over 12 years. We are delighted to officially welcome them to the SCE family,” said Shuhei Yoshida, president, SCE WWS. “The addition of Sucker Punch to SCE WWS reiterates our dedication to developing world class gaming experiences that can only be found on the PlayStation platform. With one of the strongest exclusive software lineups in the PS3’s history, combined with the diverse, innovate content in the works for PlayStation Vita, consumers have a lot to be excited about this year.”
“We’ve enjoyed an incredible relationship with Sony that has allowed us to combine our creative design capabilities with their guidance to make some of the best franchises to hit the PlayStation platforms. Equally important, the relationship with SCE has provided us the flexibility and trust to take creative risks and invent new properties,” said Brian Fleming, managing partner, Sucker Punch Productions. “As a part of the Sony Computer Entertainment group we look forward to introducing more innovative content and providing consumers with exciting, new interactive exeriences.”