A worrying new rumor has hit the web suggesting that SOCOM creator and developer of the recent Vita title Unit 13, Zipper Interactive, is being shut down.
Kotaku claims that sources told them that Sony is in the process of shutting down the MAG developer. Sony has “repeatedly declined to comment on the matter” giving the usual response that they don’t comment on rumors or speculation.
Apparently, Zipper has been hit with layoffs and product cancellations, with the scope of the layoffs indicating a studio shutdown. Kotaku reports there is still a possibility that the developer, which was set up in 1996, will still exist in a nominal fashion.
Unfortunately, with SOCOM 4 never managing to match up to its PS2 counterparts (perhaps due to the fact that it was released during the PSN downtime), and MAG failing to become a huge shooter franchise, one could see why Sony might decide to close down Zipper.
Of course, this is all a rumor and should be treated as such, but how would you feel if Zipper was closed down? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
