Sony acquires Zipper Interactive

[Romier S]

Some extremely logical news from Sony...

 

Sony acquires Zipper Interactive

 

For those not familiar with the company, Zipper is responsible for the Socom series of games that have appeared on the Playstation 2 and PSP. It was, for many of us, our first online console gaming experience and still holds a special place for me personally. Here's some more on the news:

 

Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) announced today that leading game developer and long-time partner Zipper Interactive, creators of the top-selling SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs franchise, joins its newly formed global development operation, SCE Worldwide Studios. In an effort to further its commitment to long-term creative excellence in game development on PlayStation platforms, the addition of Zipper Interactive marks the second studio acquisition by SCE following Guerrilla B.V. in December 2005.

 

Based in Redmond, Wash., Zipper Interactive is the award-winning developer of the SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs series for both the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system, with franchise sales of all SOCOM titles surpassing seven million units worldwide. As the breakthrough online franchise on PlayStation 2, the critically acclaimed SOCOM series has consistently ranked number one within the platform portfolio across all global markets.

 

Building on an already strong and close working relationship between Zipper and Sony Computer Entertainment America, the two companies have signed an exclusive development agreement in January 2006. This move brings a studio well known for technology innovation formally into the PlayStation family and becomes a key creative force of SCE Worldwide Studios. Its day-to-day operations will continue to be run SCE WWS Foster City Studio. Financial terms of this arrangement are not disclosed.

 

"Zipper Interactive is one of the most well-known and respected development teams in the industry and we have enjoyed a great working relationship with the company since July 1999," said Phil Harrison, president, SCE Worldwide Studios. "Zipper's tremendous achievements and expertise in creating top-selling games with fantastically loyal online communities is a great addition to our development organization. We are delighted that Zipper Interactive is now a core member of the SCE Worldwide Studios network."

[kelley]

Surprised it didn't happen much earlier.

[MrJames]

I'm already looking forward to Socom on PS3.

[Romier S]

..and it looks as though Sony will be adding content to Socom 3 in the form of map packs which they'll be charging around 5.99 for. The interesting part is the different ways in which you can store this content. The PS2 HDD is a given, but you also the option of storing these maps on a USB storage device of some type, or even your PSP with a good size memory stick. Seems a good possibility that we'll see downloadable content on the PS3 handled in the same way...

 

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Feb. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America announced today that beginning in March 2006, SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs Map Packs will become available exclusively for online download on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Expanding the playability of the top PlayStation 2 online game, SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs Map Packs can be downloaded from the SOCOM 3 servers and allow fans to play updated versions of their favorite maps from previous installments of the franchise as well as brand-new, never before seen maps.

 

 

Each SOCOM 3 Map Pack can be purchased online for $5.99 per pack by logging into a SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs online account. Using either a compatible USB Mass Storage Device (such as a USB Flash/Thumb drive), internal hard disk drive (40GB) (for PlayStation®2) or a PSP™ (PlayStation® Portable) system with Memory Stick Duo Media (minimum 32MB) as storage, SOCOM fans can download any of the SOCOM 3 Map Packs, take them anywhere and access them online using their SOCOM 3 account for all-new tactical military action.

 

 

"SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs Map Packs allows for the millions of SOCOM fans to experience updated versions of their favorite maps from earlier SOCOM titles or take on competitors in all-new environments simply by purchasing and downloading the SOCOM 3 Map Packs from their SOCOM 3 online account," said Seth Luisi, senior producer, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "With the release of the SOCOM 3 Map Packs, the SOCOM franchise will expand with even more online environments, adding to the SOCOM experience you can only get on PlayStation platforms."

 

 

The first SOCOM 3 Map Pack will be available in March 2006, and will feature updated fan favorite SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs maps After Hours, Last Bastion and Liberation which were previously only available for play by internal hard disk drive (40GB) (for PlayStation®2) owners. These maps have been re-worked to add the latest SOCOM 3 features including multiple game types per map, respawn modes, day and night options and weapon customization. The second and third map packs will follow over the next several months and will feature classic maps from the original title that launched the hit franchise, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs, as well as innovative SOCOM 3 maps never before seen for an all-new combat experience.

 

 

Sony Computer Entertainment America's blockbuster hit, SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs, is available exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Developed by Zipper Interactive, Inc. and produced by Sony Computer Entertainment America's Foster City Studio in association with the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command, SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs offers the most realistic SEAL gameplay and mission designs of any military shooter.

 

http://www.gaming-age.com/news/2006/2/21-34

 

With combined worldwide franchise sales totaling more than 7 million units, SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs builds on the success of its predecessors offering new single-player and multiplayer game experiences, including 32-player online gameplay, player-controlled interactive vehicles, more than 900 different weapon combinations and mission maps five to six times larger than in previous SOCOM titles. SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs is currently one of the top online games available for any console, with more than 23,000 simultaneous players during peak hours, and registering in 60,000 unique players per day. For the first time ever, the SOCOM franchise is also available on a handheld with SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo exclusively for the PSP™ (PlayStation® Portable).