Sony Purchases Game Developer Sucker Punch

News on the video gaming front this morning is that Sony has reported purchased one of its game developers, a company called Sucker Punch, which is the creator of the PlayStation 3 game “Infamous.” Sucker Punch has been developing games exclusively for Sony during the past 10 years, reported Yahoo's Derek Mead on the Digital Trends blog today.

For those not familiar with the video gaming meme, “Infamous” is role-playing action video game series that follows the adventures of superhero Cole MacGrath as he uses his powers to decide his own destiny for either good or evil. The series includes “Infamous” and its sequel, “Infamous 2.” There is also a DC Comics comic book series of the same name. The game follows a so-called “open world” format, otherwise known as a “sandbox,” in which players can roam at will through the virtual world and determine their own actions and goals within the game.

Since Sucker Punch has been exclusively focused on games for PlayStation 3 for years, the acquisition seems to make sense, as did a fear on Sony's part, perhaps, that the popularity of the “Infamous” series would tempt a rival company to purchase the game's developer.

“We’ve enjoyed an incredible relationship with Sony that has allowed us to combine our creative design capabilities with their guidance to make some of the best franchises to hit the PlayStation platforms,” said Brian Fleming, managing partner of Sucker Punch. “Equally important, the relationship with SCE [Sony Computer Entertainment] has provided us the flexibility and trust to take creative risks and invent new properties. As a part of the Sony Computer Entertainment group we look forward to introducing more innovative content and providing consumers with exciting, new interactive experiences,” he added.

Sucker Punch will join Sony Computer Entertainment's existing 16 worldwide studios, all of which were formerly individual developers that were purchased by Sony to produce PlayStation-exclusive games and content.

“Sucker Punch Productions is one of the most highly acclaimed development studios in the industry and we have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the company for over 12 years. We are delighted to officially welcome them to the SCE family,” said Shuhei Yoshida, president of Sony’s Worldwide Studios, in a press release. “The addition of Sucker Punch to SCE WWS reiterates our dedication to developing world class gaming experiences that can only be found on the PlayStation platform.”