PSP World

Sony acquires SOCOM developer

Sony Computer Entertainment announced today that Zipper Interactive — developer of the top-selling SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs franchise for the PS2 and PSP — is joining its newly formed global development operation, SCE Worldwide Studios. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed

"Based in Redmond, Wash., Zipper Interactive is the award-winning developer of the SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs series for both the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and the PSP, with franchise sales of all SOCOM titles surpassing seven million units worldwide. As the breakthrough online franchise on PlayStation 2, the critically acclaimed SOCOM series has consistently ranked number one within the platform portfolio across all global markets.

Building on an already strong and close working relationship between Zipper and Sony Computer Entertainment America, the two companies have signed an exclusive development agreement in January 2006. This move brings a studio well known for technology innovation formally into the PlayStation family and becomes a key creative force of SCE Worldwide Studios. Its day-to-day operations will continue to be run SCE WWS Foster City Studio."