Sometimes, rumors run rampant around the Internet and are just plain falsifications. Other times, unfortunately, they turn out to be true. This appears to be the case with Zipper Interactive.
As rumored a week ago, Sony Computer Entertainment has officially announced the dissolution of Zipper Interactive, developers of the venerable SOCOM and MAG franchises for PlayStation consoles beginning with the PlayStation 2. Their official statement follows:
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). The closure is a result of a normal cycle of resource re-alignment within SCE WWS. Zipper has complete 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.
So it appears one glimmer of positive news is that current titles will be continued to be supported, though no timeframe was given. Zipper Interactive also posted to their Facebook and Twitter accounts the following succinct message:
After 17 years it’s time to head off into the sunset. A sincere thank you to all our fans for everything you’ve done for us. Farewell.
Zipper had approximately 80 employees prior to this announcement, and it’s uncertain who is staying to maintain support for their three titles, and where. What are your thoughts on this saddening news? We’ll have more on this story as it develops.
