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Sony Computer Entertainment has acquired LittleBigPlanet developer Media Molecule for an undisclosed sum.
The multi-award-winning Guildford-based outfit was bought by Sony in a strategic move "to continue to secure excellence in game development for current and future PlayStation platforms."
The acquisition brings Sony’s tally of first-party dev outfits to fifteen, with key studios in Japan, the USA, the UK and The Netherlands.
Under the SCE Worldwide Studios umbrella, Media Molecule joins the likes of Naughty Dog, Evolution Studios, Guerrilla Games, Polyphony Digital, SCE Japan, SCE Santa Monica and Zipper Interactive.
In announcing the acquisition, SCE Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida offered high praise for the UK outfit.
”Since they burst onto the gaming scene, Media Molecule have proved to be a truly exciting and innovative studio, who have proved their world-class credentials with the creation of the incredible LittleBigPlanet,” he said.
“SCE WWS is all about creating ambitious, innovative and ground breaking games, traits that Media Molecule clearly have. To bring them into our family proves our dedication to creating fantastic new experiences that we believe will cement our position as industry leaders.”
Media Molecule’s first official title was the PS3 exclusive LittleBigPlanet, which went on to receive a phenomenal number of awards and honours. The game has also seen its fan base develop over 2 million user-generated levels.
The LittleBigPlanet franchise, and studio behind it, will now remain in the hands of Sony, a situation which co-founder Alex Evans has complete faith in.
"Since Media Molecule’s inception, we’ve had a uniquely close relationship with SCE,” he said.
“Over the years they have consistently shown their dedication to Creative Gaming and Media Molecule, not only through their support of the company, but their willingness to take risks and embrace our often unusual approach and ideas."
Both publisher and developer remain quiet on what projects Media Molecule is currently working on.
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