May 22, 2024 – Sony Interactive Entertainment has officially shut down its PlayStation London Studio, marking the end of an era for the venerable game development house.
The first-party studio, which was established in 2002 and headquartered in London’s Soho district, was responsible for creating the popular “The Getaway” series and managing the “SingStar” franchise. However, as part of a broader restructuring effort announced by Sony in February, the studio has now closed its doors.
As part of this reorganization, Sony also announced plans to reduce its global workforce by approximately 900 employees, representing about 8% of its total staff. The move comes as the company strives to adapt to changing market conditions and position itself for future growth.
In a final statement released by the PlayStation London Studio, the team expressed their gratitude to all the players and colleagues who have supported them over the years. “For over two decades, London Studio has been home to some of the most talented and brilliant minds in the gaming industry,” the statement read. “As we close our doors and everyone embarks on new adventures, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to all the players and colleagues who have supported us over the years. We have been on a wild and wonderful journey!”
The recent reorganization at PlayStation has also resulted in layoffs at other notable studios, including Insomniac, known for their work on the “Spider-Man” franchise, Naughty Dog, developers of “The Last of Us” series, and Firesprite, creators of “Horizon Call of the Mountain.” These cuts reflect the challenging landscape of the gaming industry, which is constantly evolving and adapting to new technologies and player preferences.
