InFamous and Xbox? Not happening, Sony acquires developer Sucker Punch
Sony have moved swiftly and acquired the studio behind the critically acclaimed, InFamous series, tying Sucker Punch to a PlayStation exclusive deal.
In a story that seems similar to the on-goings at the transfer season in football, Sony have signed the developer after reports emerged that Microsoft were interested in taking the franchise and making it multiplatform.
However, when it comes to consoles, the competition in the market is fierce and with Sony selling just five percent more PlayStation 3s than Microsoft is selling Xbox360s, it is the console exclusives which make the difference.
InFamous was released in 2009 and the unique art-style, comic book hero feel, slick gameplay and the moral choices seemed to strike a chord with gamers as the title went on to receive critical acclaim, as well as its fair share of revenue.
The follow up, InFamous 2 was released earlier this year and although it did not get as much praise from critics, as perhaps it should have, it was still rated by many as a solid title.
Both games were PlayStation 3 exclusives and Sony felt very strongly about keeping it that way, especially after the recent Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), in Los Angeles, where a trailer for Sly Cooper, another Sucker Punch game, was teased.
Sucker Punch are not new to the video game industry, as the development studio was founded in 1997 and have since gone on to make a name for themselves with the Sly Cooper series, and more recently, the two InFamous games. The deal will now make them a part
of Sony Computer Entertainment.
Brain Fleming, the managing partner of Sucker Punch, gave his thoughts on the deal and explained how Sony allowed them the creative freedom which led to the success of their games.
“We've enjoyed an incredible relationship with Sony that has allowed us to combine our creative design capabilities with their guidance to make some of the best franchises to hit the PlayStation platforms,” he said.
He also explained that the ‘flexibility’ and ‘trust’ Sony provided was what made the studio feel comfortable about taking risks.
He also mentioned how the studio will continue to do more of the same when he said, “As a part of the Sony Computer Entertainment group we look forward to introducing more innovative content and providing consumers with exciting, new interactive experiences.”
Sony were also available to comment on the deal and Shuhei Yoshida, the president of SCE also pointed out how the 12-year relationship was ‘wonderful’, before adding, rather mechanically, “We are delighted to officially welcome them to the SCE family.”
It seems that Xbox fans will have to make due with games not involving an electrically charged bike messenger and in this case, that is not a good thing.
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