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Sony Acquires Media Molecule
by Leigh Alexander [PC, Console/PC]
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March 2, 2010
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Its critically-acclaimed LittleBigPlanet became a quintessential icon for the PlayStation 3 platform, and now Media Molecule is officially part of Sony Computer Entertainment.
SCE announced today that it's acquired the UK-based studio, and Media Molecule will become an official part of the Worldwide Studios family.
"Since they burst onto the gaming scene, Media Molecule have proved to be a truly exciting and innovative studio, who have proved their world-class credentials with the creation of the incredible LittleBigPlanet,” effused Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida.
Media Molecule's LBP not only birthed the popular Sackboy character, but pioneered a trend in user-generated content on home consoles. Sony hopes to create a family of such titles, adding United Front's upcoming Mod Nation Racers -- on which Sony told us Media Molecule played a key role as advisor. Media Molecule also supported SCE's Cambridge studio on the development of LittleBigPlanet for PSP.
"SCE WWS is all about creating ambitious, innovative and ground breaking games, traits that Media Molecule clearly have," says Yoshida. "To bring them into our family proves our dedication to creating fantastic new experiences that we believe will cement our position as industry leaders."
LBP has won numerous awards since its October 2008 launch: For example, it earned the Artistic Achievement nod at the 2008 BAFTAs, received four 2009 Game Developers Choice awards, and led five categories at the 2009 Develop Awards.
"Since Media Molecule's inception, we've had a uniquely close relationship with SCE," says co-founder Alex Evans, who helped start the studio along with fellow Lionhead vets in 2006. "Over the years, they have consistently shown their dedication to creative gaming and Media Molecule, not only through their support of the company, but their willingness to take risks and embrace our often unusual approach and ideas."
Adds Evans: "What we've achieved already with LittleBigPlanet has proved this to us and we're excited by this new chapter of innovation and creative gaming, for all involved."
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