Welcoming Firesprite to the PlayStation Studios Family

The next addition to PlayStation Studios is a creative, ambitious team from Liverpool.

[GaboonViper]

Fantastic news, can't wait to see what they are working on.

[Obscure_Observer]

Whatever happened to that "nurture the talent of our first party studios" BS talk.

https://n4g.com/news/242464...

[The Wood]

they stem from sonys old liverpool studio (members)

You try too hard bro

All you had to do was research but noooooooooo, auto crap spew

https://twitter.com/GIBiz/s...

[darthv72]

I guess technically they are doing that. this studio is not exactly new, just a reboot / remake / remaster of talent from ones past. I believe it was Studio Liverpool (Wipeout guys). So they were always a first party studio and took a break a while back to rebrand themselves.

[dbcoops]

"We’ve had the pleasure of working with many talented developers and publishers across the industry and PlayStation in particular has been a friend and co-development partner for the best part of a decade,"

What ever happened to reading and researching before trolling?

[TheTony316]

Firewalk is the former Sony Liverpool studio that worked on games like Wipeout...but nice try, lol.

[RpgSama]

@Obscure_Observer

What a joke, at least read before commenting on anything, you should be ashamed of being ridiculed in public on a basically daily basis.

[GamingSinceForever]

Damn at least read before commenting bro.

[EvertonFC]

Always one 🙄😔

[CosmicTurtle]

@obscure_observer what are you actually offended about? If so why?

[CosmicTurtle]

Why can’t you just be happy with your console choice? MS have some nice studios, what compels you to cheerlead for a product and sniping at another rather than just enjoying what you have? You like what MS offer that’s dandy. If you are worried about PR people saying stupid stuff then you won’t be happy with any console manufacturer. Do you get so heated when someone announces a feature in a dishwasher you don’t own?

Maybe you find a game in trolling and arguing, but I assure you there are richer ways to spend your time.

[Wintersun616]

Please leave Trollscure_Trollerver.

[AmUnRa]

And here whe have the first troll who does not really know what the " blieb" he is talking about.

[F0XH0UND922]

Another epic fail from obscure.

On topic, it's nice to see Sony continuing the trend of nurturing talent and fostering long lasting relationships with talented devs. Hopefully they have something to show tomorrow.

[mkis007]

Well anytime you try to claim non-bias now this will follow you.

[itsmebryan]

@The wood
Didn't Sony close the studio and that's why they are old members of Sony. Maybe that's what he is talking about. That's not what you think of when you "nurture talent ".

[Vizigoth04]

Yeah not worth getting mad over. I would just go back to playing games if I was you.

[Bathyj]

Did that troll attempt go how you thought it would?

[tay8701]

dude you do know this studio is made up of former employees from sony liverpool studio that was closes in 2012 right?

[Sarcasm]

Guys, I think he's already dead.

[Sunny_D]

Sorry bud, you tried. But your poor trolling skills need work.

[JackBNimble]

Like obscure observer said
"Whatever happened to that nurture the talent of first party studio's "?

I would like to know that too considering that "quite a few members of fire Sprite came from Sony's first party studio liverpool "

If I were these guy's I'd be worried that Sony shuts this newer studio down.

Another question that should be asked:
Sony owned studio liverpool and shut them down , so why buy a studio made up of quite few of the members of the studio that Sony already closed?

[badz149]

@Obscure_Observer

MS started this acquisition craze first. If it was not for MS and their fat pocket papa Satya buying studios left and right, these acquisitions would have been at a slower pace as before. it's no coincidence that Sony suddenly swoop Insomniac after all these years they have been honoring the company's desire to stay independent. The same reason it is for this too I guess. They just can't afford losing 3rd parties to MS as they gobble them up one by one and started moving in that direction before MS makes the move. MS doesn't care about the xbox, they just want the PS dominance to end. They tried with power and marketing, that didn't work. they know, GAMES and DEVELOPERS are keys to it and by depriving these elements will make the PS brand weaker. they realized this and started buying studios and Sony would be dumb to let MS be the only one doing it.

FYI, acquiring a studio especially those with no steady income like this one is not ideal. they need to be paid as normal employees and without a studio income, they will be the extra expenses for the owner.

[Extermin8or3_]

Even if the founders of this studio weren't former members of Sony Liverpool your comment would still have no merit whatsoever. When Sony made that renark what they were essentially saying is: if you can't get first party titles out the door regularly and of a consistent quality buying a large studio or publisher won't fix that. The issues regarding project management etc are going to carry over and the new studio will Bring with it a different and well established culture etc which will probably take time to integrate with your existing corporate culture. However if you buy smaller teams that are growing and help them grow and progress and move to releasing larger titles over time (look at housemarque or bluepoint- I know officially they haven't bought the latter yet) then the culture can be forged and melded to match yours and the studio should grown naturally without the requirement it be pumped up with money.

[DarXyde]

Ughhhhh, here we go....

I don't think there is anything I can say that hasn't already been said. Seems like a painfully obvious attempt at a gotcha moment, but in any case, Obscure_Observer, I can only encourage you to evaluate things before you jump off like that. Seems like you were in a hurry to deliver this "own" and it ended up being a misfire. Somehow, I think you're better than this...

I'm genuinely not a fan of these acquisitions. They're annoying and really bring out the worst in gamers. Now it's just about hypocrisy burning and whose box maker has more studios (which you shouldn't concern yourself with—quality every time).

I'll give Sony some benefit of the doubt here because these are traditionally small studios they're acquiring, Insomniac withstanding. It's a matter of giving the lesser known artists a better canvas to realize a larger vision, a la Returnal. I think the benefits are pretty apparent for gamers in this regard. I suppose Microsoft deserves some benefit too because it means games from Bethesda are on Game Pass, which is a win for consumers. But outside of that, I don't see why anyone should care or cheer these acquisitions on when they happen.

Honestly, I'm not about to argue that "he started it!" crap. That's such juvenile rhetoric. Take it as it is: another acquisition in what is likely the beginning of a large theme.

Side bar: did anyone else notice the PlayStation Studios logo at the beginning of the official Death Stranding trailer?

https://youtu.be/EV53lnCzP1...

[CaptainHenry916]

Firesprite (Playroom, The Persistence) joins PlayStation

-Over 200 developers
-Many come from former SIE Studio Liverpool
-The team is currently developing a "AAA branching narrative adventure game" and a "AAA quality new action shooter IP"

Blog: https://t.co/V1GMeFj0oQ https://t.co/sZDMFB9QD5

[Father__Merrin]

@obscure

Looks like a total annihilation on this one....

[The Wood]

@Darxyde

Nice take.. you should be on YouTube.

In regards to the disdain for acquisitions, I hear where you're coming from but thats the nature of the beast. If the companies could continue to work using 2nd and 3rd party relationships without the threat of that studio being locked away via acquisitions I'd be fine. It seems only Nintendo aren't getting embroiled in this movement. Sad to say but this is a content war and studio acquisitions are the segway

[Killer2020UK]

Zero acknowledgement when proven wrong is a real weak look.

[Gunstar75]

Darth...a 10 year break to rebrand? LoL

[neutralgamer1992]

Welcome back to many of the members and great addition to playstation family. Bluepoint announcement tomorrow I think

[generic-user-name]

A good pedigree with VR, which will benefit Sony's new headset. Still, this one was a big surprise, I can't believe another studio was officially acquired before Bluepoint.

[neutralgamer1992]

I think that's for tomorrow with MGS1 remake announcement

[generic-user-name]

Whatever Bluepoint are working on next, MGS or not, I'm certain it will be quality. SotC and Demon's Souls blew me away.

[Sunny_D]

BRUH, I SWEAR if they announce it..... I'm gonna pop.

[SullysCigar]

My first thought too. Huge news for VR fans like me!

[neutralgamer1992]

Yes but now they will work on traditional games too not just VR(either way it's great)

[neutralgamer1992]

Oh yeah they are top quality developers. The reason I think they are working on something big is because Sony didn't ask them to remake TLOU. That remake is rumored to be on development under ND. So why would Sony not ask BP to remake it since they are the best at remakes/remasters

Meaning they must be on another big project

[VersusDMC]

They highlighted in the blog post that they worked on VR stuff...so they are probably a PSVR2 developer. Not for me but VR fans rejoice.

[Darkborn]

They have 2 projects in production. It's actually a pretty big studio with like 250+ devs and they are still hiring.

[Nyxus]

Could be VR, but not necessarily:

"Not necessarily," Hulst says. "Clearly the expertise that Firesprite has gained on their work with The Persistence and The Playroom is something that they bring to the table. It's too early to talk about what specific platforms or experiences that we're going to collaborate on with Firesprite. But that experience is very valuable.

Ankers again: "The philosophy that we have is to really innovate and create on any platform. Whether that's VR or non-VR. VR is amazing. It really changes the paradigm of design and immerses you in those worlds. It doesn't really matter for us what the hardware is, we'll maximise and create and innovate for that particular hardware.

From: https://www.gamesindustry.b...

[VersusDMC]

I said probably...and with PSVR2 coming out it is more likely.

Maybe they are making a non-VR game as well. Or a VR game that can also be played without VR.

But they bring up VR in the blog post i assume VR is more likely. Hoping to be surprised but not holding my breath.

[TheTony316]

They used to work on Wipeout. They have experience with non VR titles.

[Ozzy2407]

Wipeout can also be played in PSVR

[TheTony316]

Isn't this the former Liverpool studio that made Wipeout? Their logo looks like something out of Wipeout.

[Majin-vegeta]

Yes

[neutralgamer1992]

Yes

[walken7]

More Wipeout please!!!

[Sunny_D]

Bring back Evolution studios as well. If there's a Forza Horizon, they can make a open world Motorstorm for the PS platforms. 🤯

[badz149]

@Sunny_D

unfortunately, most of those people from Evolution were hired by Codemasters and now they are all under EA!

[senorfartcushion]

Japanese writing for a Scouse company? 😅

[EvertonFC]

I saw the joke fella

[senorfartcushion]

Nice one kidder 😉

[-Foxtrot]

Cool but I’m hoping for a Bluepoint announcement

[Extermin8or3_]

We know this is coming Sony accidentally leaked it lol. One does not simply have a new professionally designed graphic with a recent game they've made added to the background lineup and their studio title on it as being a new member of PlayStation studios. You just don't.

[TheTony316]

So, since this is basically studio liverpool 2.0. What are the odds for a Japan Studio 2.0 next year? lol.

[badz149]

aren't those guys in Team Asobo now or something?

[Extermin8or3_]

Japan studio hasn't been shut... team asobi has been made it's own development studio in its own right and Sony Japan still exists with the primary responsibility for supporting other studios and localising titles. Which was the bulk of their work beforehand anyway.

[TheTony316]

Yeah but Sony Japan as it was doesn't exist anymore. There are rumors about a new AAA studio with former Square, Capcom and Konami devs.

[Destiny1080]

they are working on AAA games and VR titles, and the first VR title will probably be a new wipeout or a remaster

[Destiny1080]

until an official announcement, take everything with a grain of salt

im still waiting for my switch pro

but so far, we have wipeout rumors and even horizon zero dawn, being fully playable in VR rumors

[Father__Merrin]

At 250 people strong they could bring out a true next gen persistent Wipeout amougnst other new ip with psvr2 support

[Abnor_Mal]

So The Persistence is now considered an "exclusive" multiplatform game.

"PlayStation also gave us the opportunity to create our own IP, The Persistence, and we were given the creative freedom to explore, innovate, and release a survival horror game we are immensely proud of. Now, as a first party studio, we know we have the full support of PlayStation in furthering our heritage of combining creativity and technical innovation to offer some truly unique experiences for PlayStation fans."

Can not wait to see what other game concepts they come up with now having the full backing of PlayStation and Sony.

[Darkborn]

Why not? They own the IP now.

[Abnor_Mal]

Exactly. With the game being on every platform with many different publishers, I'm sure the rights stayed with them.

[Anghellic]

haven't made anything I'm interested in yet but hopefully that changes

[GhostofHorizon]

Didn't see this one coming. Waiting patiently on PSVR2 for the time being.

[LoveSpuds]

Now if only Sony would concede that they made a huge mistake in shuttering Evolution Studios and hire all those guys again.

I'd kill for another Motorstorm or Drive Club personally.

[Abnor_Mal]

Yes, one of the biggest missteps they've made shutting Evolution.

Some.pepple also felt that closing Zipper was a mistake also, but after playing Socom4 on PS3 it was clear to me that the dev team focus was not they same as on PS2. I would kill for a remake of Socom1&2.

[badz149]

many devs from Evolution is under EA now after EA acquired Codemasters

[LucasRuinedChildhood]

I think it's too late for that since they're under the Codemasters banner now. Tbh, they probably like being under a dedicated racing company ... although it is owned by EA now. haha.

Maybe they could create another company like Zipper, hire some of those guys again, and make a new Socom or a successor to MAG? I feel like there's more of a market for persistent versions of those games now.

[dbcoops]

Great to hear more people making great games for Playstation.

[Gameseeker_Frampt]

So Sony closes Studio Liverpool and the former members found Firesprite only to be bought up by Sony 9 years later? Hopefully Sony doesn't mismanage them like they did with Studio Liverpool (can't be the employees fault since they created a 250+ person after Sony fired them).

For those interested in Firesprite history - https://www.ign.com/article...

[dbcoops]

If Sony "mismanaged" them before why would they be interested in being bought buy Sony now? This is the problem with mindless trolling, no forethought or common sense is used whatsoever, had there been some you would have realized the troll comment was going to fail from the start.

Some times studios close, there's lots of reasons and there's nothing in that IGN article or anywhere else that alludes to mismanagement. You blaming Sony without any proof is just another accuse to troll and smear Sony unfairly.

[Gameseeker_Frampt]

"I don't think one way or the other about Psygnosis."

Then why the hell are you commenting about Sony Liverpool?

[dbcoops]

Cause its an open forum and I can reply to someone making false accusations. I'm over this conversation though cause I can tell what your goal is and where its headed so I wont be reading anything else you reply with on this matter, I'm moving on and you should too.

[Sunny_D]

The SCE that closed them in 2012 during the PS3 era where they were bleeding money is not the same SIE that bought them in 2021 where they are making record breaking profits.

The management for Playstation has completely changed over the years. For one, Herman Hulst was not the head of Playstation Worldwide studios in 2012. But he is now.

[Scissorman82]

So I don't want to spoil the surprise - but I know what they are working on and you are all going to lose your minds.

I had the opportunity to interview Stuart Tilley back when The Persistence Enhanced was released a few months back and we spoke offline (and off the record) about the future of Firesprite and boys and girls - its going to be an exciting time to own a PS5. =)

[dbcoops]

Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuure you do.

[BigBosss]

isn't Firesprite the creators of Star Citizen that raised millions of dollars in funding and still hasn't seen the light of day? I smell a PS5 release down the line.

[Scissorman82]

https://www.firesprite.com/...

not the creators but they are involved.

[ScootaKuH]

New WipEout if you please

[TheHan]

I mean, when the old talent isn’t cutting it, you must search for new talent.

[Rainbowcookie]

New wipeout confirmed...like those rumours of a few weeks back?

[ocelot07]

Ohhhh niceeee to Sony Liverpool is back! (Sort of).

[Gamer75]

Liverpool 2.0

[rlow1]

Nice to see Sony re-tooling some old talent with new talent. They must have something good cooking in the oven for Sony to do a reset.

[Jay767]

This acquisition pretty much confirm the rumors that Sony London is working on a normal Aaa game because Sony brought this bigger uk base studio who can focus on multiple vr games so this pretty much free up Sony London from their vr duties.

[Tedakin]

Honestly never heard of them.

[purple101]

Even their logo looks like a wipeout team fiesar

[Orchard]

I hadn't heard of this dev until today - but seems like it'll be a good addition to PS Studios.

[moriarty1889]

Sony adding to their arsenal of studios. Good choice.

[CS7]

Awesome!!

[DaniMacYo]

Uh cool. I remember Studio Liverpool and SCE when I was a kid and teen I played their Formula One games everyday. Loved them titles. Championship Edition was amazing for it’s time. Glad they’re still in the business and working with SONY again.

[Rimeskeem]

Wonder if they are going to show PSVR2 with a Firesprite game tomorrow

[S2Killinit]

Nice . Wonder what they are working on.

[Whitey2k]

Dont get me wrong these devs are pretty talented and a good buy. But i was expecting more of a company that literally could atleast rival of betheda. Doesnt even have to be a parent company a major third party studio could do