Rumors abound were circulating the internet this week and last about the possible closure of Zipper Interactive, one of Sony’s first-party development studios and founders of the once-popular SOCOM franchise.
Well, it seems the final nail has been put in this rumor’s coffin: The Verge received a press release earlier today detailing the disbanding of Zipper Interactive.
"Sony Computer Entertainment can confirm the closure of Zipper Interactive, a Seattle-based internal game development studio that has been part of the global development operation of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS),” reads the press release.
"The closure is a result of a normal cycle of resource re-alignment within SCE WWS. Zipper has completed all work associated with its most recent project, Unit 13 for PlayStation Vita. Zipper titles MAG, SOCOM 4 and Unit 13 will continue to be supported, including the new Daily Challenges in Unit 13."
Sony reports that there were 80 employees affected by the layoff, and will be doing their best to find as many of those people jobs as possible.
"Recruiters and management of all WWSA studios will be in touch with Zipper employees to provide information on open opportunities and we will also be providing outplacement support,"
The team was working on an unannounced title when the closure became final. There’s no information and there likely won’t ever be – a sad thing.
After almost 20 years, we finally say goodbye to the revolutionary developer. Thanks for everything Zipper, and we hope to see your talent working elsewhere in the industry for many years to come.
