If you owned a Playstation 2, it’s very likely that the brilliance of the SOCOM series graced your path. Zipper Interactive became a beloved developer in the PS2 era, and fans had rather high hopes when the ambitious MAG was first announced.
After nearly 17 years of making video games, Sony has officially shut down Zipper Interactive. Confirmed to Game Informer, Sony issued the following statement in regards to the studio’s closure:
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 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.
The studio’s closure will affect roughly 80 employees. It’s sad to see Zipper Interactive be forced to shut its doors, but we hope to see members from the studio land safely somewhere else. While their titles may not have panned out to the critical praise that Sony may have wanted, there are still talented folks behind their games.
What do you think about Sony closing Zipper Interactive? What is your favorite Zipper Interactive developed game? Be sure to let us know what you think by leaving us a comment below, or discuss Zipper Interactive in our forums.