PlayStation adds Liverpool video game studio to its portfolio
A Liverpool video game studio behind titles including The Playroom, The Player VR, and The Persistence, is to be acquired by PlayStation owner Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Firesprite, which has a strong record of developing showcase games for PlayStation console and peripheral launches, will play a “critical role” in strengthening SIE’s exclusive games catalog in genres outside of PlayStation Studios’ core offerings.
Over the past few years, Firesprite has partnered with SIE to develop games for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation VR launch including The Playroom (PS4) and The Playroom VR (PS VR.
Jim Ryan, President & CEO, Sony Interactive Entertainment, said: “We are delighted to welcome Firesprite into the PlayStation family.
“We have a rich history of working with the founders of Firesprite and are excited to grow the PlayStation presence in Liverpool.
“The portfolio of titles Firesprite has developed has continually demonstrated the team’s ability to transcend traditional gameplay experiences and brilliantly showcase the potential of our hardware.”
Hermen Hulst, Head of PlayStation Studios said: “Creating quality, state-of-the-art games has always been at the forefront of Firesprite’s work and I’m confident they will push the bar even further as part of PlayStation Studios.
“Firesprite’s ability to weave best-in-class gameplay with new technology is exceptional and I think fans will be excited about their creative vision for the future.”
Firesprite will continue to be run by Firesprite’s current management team when it comes to the day-to-day operations of the studio post-acquisition.
Graeme Ankers, managing director, Firesprite, added: “At Firesprite, we’re always striving to bring something new to a game or genre and developing for new technologies is a driving force of our passion.
“Joining PlayStation Studios will allow us to amplify this passion, working more closely on cutting-edge hardware without any limitations and furthering our studio’s heritage of creativity and technical innovation to offer some truly unique experiences for PlayStation fans.”
Adam Kaucher, Corporate partner at Irwin Mitchell in Manchester led the team which advised Firesprite, together with Commercial partner, Laura Harper.
DSW in Leeds led by Paul Herriott, Roger Esler, and Jonny Wilkinson advised Firesprite and Irwin Mitchell on legals.
