Sony Interactive Entertainment has just acquired Firewalk Studios, an independent AAA game studio formed in 2018 as part of ProbablyMonsters Inc.
According to a press release by Sony, with the acquisition, Firewalk will be the 20th studio to join PlayStation Studios as Sony continues to expand its platform and invest in live service games.
Led by industry veterans Tony Hsu and Ryan Ellis, Firewalk is developing an original AAA multiplayer game for PlayStation 5 and PC. The studio will collaborate with other teams, including Bungie and Haven Interactive Studios, to create the next generation of live service experiences for PlayStation.
Terms of the deal, including the acquisition cost, have not been disclosed. Still, with nearly 150 employees and growing, Firewalk’s day-to-day operations will continue to be run by the studio’s management team with input from PlayStation Studios External Development team.
Jim Ryan, President & CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, expressed confidence in the studio’s upcoming project, saying:
I’m confident the studio’s upcoming project will be a robust addition to PlayStation Studios’ portfolio, and its live service and technology expertise will be instrumental in helping grow PlayStation’s reach.
Hermen Hulst, Head of PlayStation Studios, also shared his excitement for the collaboration, saying:
Firewalk’s innovative approach to connected storytelling and its commitment to high-quality gameplay continues to exceed our expectations. I think fans will be very pleased when they see what Firewalk has in store for them.
The acquisition marks a significant move by Sony to further establish itself as a gaming industry leader and expand its exclusive titles roster.
As other industry leaders, namely Microsoft and Xbox, make moves to expand their reach by acquiring Activision-Blizzard; it makes sense that the other titan in the industry would also make moves to increase its portfolio.
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