Sony has closed its Liverpool Studio down, killing off the developer best known for the Wipeout series of games such as Wipeout 2097 and Wipeout HD. Originally known as Psygnosis, the developer was bought by Sony in 1993 and rebranded in 1999.
Most of the staff will now be relocated to other Sony studios, but some will unfortunately be facing redundancy. The decision to close the studio seems to have been taken quickly, with staff rounded up and informed of the news only this morning.
The Wipeout games have been an ever-present on the Playstation platform since the original game came out in 1995. The most recent title to have been released was Wipeout 2048 on the PS Vita, and that looks like being the last in the franchise.
This is a sad end to a longtime developer that is much loved in its native UK and beyond. As Psygnosis it published the original Lemmings game, and also created Colony Wars. Its contributions to the industry will be missed by many.
