Sony Acquires Zipper Interactive

Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) has announced that it has acquired Redmond, Washington-headquartered Zipper Interactive, creators of the SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs franchise. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The developer will join Sony's newly formed global development operation, SCE Worldwide Studios, and is the second studio acquisition by SCE, following the purchase of Dutch Killzone developer Guerrilla Games in December 2005, as Sony continues to expand its internally-owned developer network in advance of the launch of the PlayStation 3. Zipper Interactive was founded by Jim Bosler and Brian Soderberg in 1995, and is best known for its SOCOM: U.S. Navy Seals game series, for which franchise sales have now surpassed seven million units worldwide. In addition to the SOCOM series, Zipper has developed other titles, including Mechwarrior 3 and Crimson Skies, but has been dedicated to the SOCOM series for some time, most recently releasing SOCOM: Fire Team Bravo for the PSP in late 2005. "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." "We were first drawn to Sony Computer Entertainment by their vision for growing the videogame industry," said Jim Bosler, president and CEO, Zipper Interactive. "We've enjoyed an incredible relationship with SCE for more than six years... As a part of the Sony Computer Entertainment group we can look forward to introducing innovative titles that push online functionality and community experiences even further."