Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS) has shut down its game development studio in Liverpool, one of five in the UK.
As the company restructures, Playstation Europe has stated Liverpool’s resources are best used by other studios:
It has been decided that Liverpool Studio should be closed. Liverpool Studio has been an important part of SCE Worldwide Studios since the outset of PlayStation, and have contributed greatly to PlayStation over the years. Everyone connected with Liverpool Studio, past and present, can be very proud of their achievements.
Furthermore, they ensure that the Liverpool facility will continue to be used by other departments:
However, it was felt that by focusing our investment plans on other Studios that are currently working on exciting new projects, we would be in a stronger position to offer the best possible content for our consumers. Our Liverpool Facility will continue to operate, housing a number of other vital WWS and SCEE Departments.
The studio, founded in 1984 as Psygnosis before being purchased by Sony in 1993, was best known for developing the Wipeout series, as well as Lemmings, Colony Wars, Overboard! and G-Police, and having worked on several F1 games.