Sony Computer Entertainment Restructuring Studio Liverpool

Sony Computer Entertainment are in the process of restructuring Studio Liverpool, the developer responsible for the wipEout franchise, according to a report at GamesIndustry.biz. In addition to the restructuring, production on several projects will “cease immediately.”

The restructuring is part of a “project prioritization” effort spearheaded by the Sony Worldwide Studios division, presided over by Shuhei Yoshida. While GI.biz were informed that staff removed from Liverpool would be re-allocated to other studios wherever possible, some lay-offs would, unfortunately, be necessary.

A public statement from Sony declared that, while Studio Liverpool was being restructured as part of a larger effort, Evolution Studios in Runcorn — the team behind MotorStorm — would not be affected.

Originally named Psygnosis, the Liverpool studio was acquired by Sony in 1993, shortly after which they began development of the wipEout games. In 1999, the Psygnosis brand was dropped in favour of the SCE Liverpool Studio name, and the smaller studios within Psygnosis were merged with the developers of the EyeToy to form the SCE London Studio, which developed the Singstar games. We wish them the very best of luck.